Machine Operator - Through-Hole (Second Shift)

Rocket EMS; Nevada (IA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Insurance package

Paid time off

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Rocket EMS in the United States is seeking a Through-Hole Operator to support our PCB assembly. You will hand-place components, solder joints, and follow IPC-A-610 Class 2 and 3 workmanship standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The role requires steady hands, attention to detail, and the ability to read drawings and BOMs. We offer a Monday–Friday 8-hour shift, with overtime as needed, plus a 401(k) with company match and comprehensive insurance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 2 years of through-hole assembly or hand soldering experience.
• IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification preferred or required depending on role level.

Responsibilities

• Review build documentation before starting work.
• Manually insert through-hole components onto PCBs according to BOM and polarity.
• Perform hand soldering, wave solder, or selective soldering operations.
• Inspect solder joints and placement per IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
• Identify and correct defects, escalate issues to Lead or Engineer.
• Perform basic rework and touch-ups on solder joints.
• Complete first-article verification and in-process inspection forms.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and adhere to ESD/MSD procedures.
• Record production data and communicate quality updates.
• Support other assembly or rework areas as needed.
• Participate in 5S and continuous improvement.

Skills

Soldering (hand)

Read BOMs/diagrams

Polarity identification

Attention to detail

ESD handling

English communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Through-Hole OperatorAbout the Role

As a Through-Hole Operator at Rocket EMS, you'll be an essential part of our PCB assembly process — ensuring all components are hand-placed, soldered, and inspected to the highest quality standards. You'll work closely with engineering, quality, and production teams to build boards that meet IPC-A-610 Class 2 and 3 workmanship standards. This position demands steady hands, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to follow precise build documentation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Review build documentation including MPIs, assembly drawings, ECOs, and customer requirements before starting work.

• Manually insert through-hole components onto printed circuit boards according to polarity, orientation, and bill of materials (BOM) requirements.

• Perform soldering operations using hand soldering tools, wave solder, or selective solder equipment.

• Inspect solder joints and component placement for compliance with IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.

• Identify and correct soldering or placement defects; elevate systemic or recurring issues to the Lead or Engineer.

• Perform basic rework and touch-up on solder joints when needed.

• Complete first-article verification and in-process inspection forms as required.

• Maintain clean, organized work areas and adhere to all ESD and MSD handling procedures.

• Record production data and communicate pass-downs and quality updates to supervisors.

• Support other assembly or rework areas as directed by Supervisor, Engineer, or Manager.

• Participate in continuous improvement and 5S initiatives to enhance quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in through-hole assembly or hand soldering in a contract manufacturing or electronics production environment.

• IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification (preferred or required depending on role level).

Skills

• Strong soldering ability for both leaded and lead-free assemblies.

• Ability to read assembly drawings, schematics, and BOMs.

• Understanding of polarity, component identification, and color codes.

• Familiarity with selective and wave soldering processes.

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

• Basic computer literacy (MS Excel, Word, Outlook).

• Clear communication skills in English, both verbal and written.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Opportunities for advancement in a growing, technology-driven manufacturing environment

Schedule

• 8-hour shift, Monday – Friday

• Overtime and weekends as needed

Pay Range $20—$24 USD

ITAR/EAR Compliance: Due to the nature of the work performed at Rocket EMS, this position may require access to export-controlled technical data or technology. The successful candidate must be eligible to access such information under applicable U.S. export-control laws or be eligible for any required government authorization.

Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law.
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