PCB Rework & Soldering Specialist

Lumicity; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumicity in San Francisco is seeking an exceptional PCB Rework & Soldering Specialist to modify, repair, or rescue boards, from densely populated prototypes to heavy-copper power assemblies. This hands-on role demands craftsmanship and problem solving on advanced hardware.

You will own the rework bench, document changes with photos, and collaborate with engineering to implement corrective actions and process improvements. IPC certs preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on PCB rework and electronics assembly.
• Expert-level with fine-pitch SMT devices (QFN, DFN, QFP, 0201).
• Experience reworking high-power components on heavy-copper boards.
• Proficient with microscopy, soldering stations, hot-air tools.
• Ability reading schematics, BOMs and engineering docs.
• Strong documentation and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Implement engineering changes on prototype hardware including trace cuts, bodge-wire additions, component swaps, and same-day design modifications.
• Remove and replace fine-pitch devices with precision and workmanship.
• Rework large power MOSFETs and high-thermal-mass components with proper thermal management.
• Repair damaged traces and lifted pads on PCBs, flex circuits, and rigid-flex assemblies.
• Perform microscope-level rework on densely packed boards including 0201 passives.
• Add test points and measurement leads for bring-up, debugging, and validation.
• Execute board-level rework across batches from contract manufacturers.
• Develop clear work instructions with photos and step-by-step documentation.
• Maintain records of repairs with before-and-after photos and per-board logs.
• Inspect hardware for defects like solder bridging, tombstoning, and poor wetting.
• Collaborate with engineering to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Hand-build complete prototype boards from bare PCBs when required.
• Own and maintain the rework bench and tools.
• Evaluate and recommend new equipment and process improvements.

Skills

PCB rework

Soldering

Fine-pitch SMT

ESD practices

Documentation

Tools

Soldering irons

Hot-air stations

Microscopes

Rework tools

Wick

Stencils

Job description

We're seeking an exceptional PCB Rework & Soldering Specialist to become the bench expert engineers rely on when a board needs to be modified, repaired, or rescued.

This is a highly hands-on role for someone who takes pride in craftsmanship and enjoys solving complex hardware challenges. You'll work on everything from densely populated prototype boards with 0201 components to high-power actuator control boards with heavy copper planes.

If your rework is nearly indistinguishable from the original assembly, we'd love to speak with you.

What You'll Do

R&D Rework (Approx. 50%)

• Implement engineering changes on prototype hardware, including trace cuts, bodge-wire additions, component swaps, and same-day design modifications.
• Remove and replace fine-pitch LQFPs, QFNs, and other leaded or bottom-terminated devices with exceptional precision and workmanship.
• Rework large power MOSFETs, high-current connectors, and other high-thermal-mass components on heavy-copper PCBs using proper thermal management techniques.
• Repair damaged traces and lifted pads on standard PCBs, flex circuits (FPCs), and rigid-flex assemblies.
• Perform microscope-level rework on densely packed boards, including 0201 passive components.
• Add test points, probe wires, and measurement leads to support hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation.

Batch Rework & Manufacturing Support (Approx. 50%)

• Execute board-level rework across batches of assemblies returned from contract manufacturers.
• Develop clear work instructions, including photos and step-by-step documentation, to support internal teams and manufacturing partners.
• Maintain detailed records of all repair and rework activities, including before-and-after photos and per-board logs.
• Inspect hardware and identify manufacturing defects such as solder bridging, thermal-pad voiding, poor wetting, tombstoning, cold joints, and other assembly issues.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.

Additional Responsibilities

• Hand-build complete prototype boards from bare PCBs when required.
• Own and maintain the rework bench, including microscopes, soldering stations, hot-air systems, tooling, and consumables.
• Evaluate and recommend new equipment, tooling, and process improvements.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of hands-on PCB rework, soldering, and electronics assembly experience.
• Expert-level experience with fine-pitch SMT components, including QFN, DFN, QFP, LQFP, and 0201 devices.
• Strong experience reworking high-power components such as MOSFETs, connectors, and heavy-copper assemblies.
• Proficiency with soldering irons, hot-air stations, microscopes, preheaters, hot plates, wick, stencils, and related rework equipment.
• Experience performing trace repair, pad repair, micro-wiring, and jumper-wire modifications.
• Ability to repair flex and rigid-flex circuits without damaging delicate assemblies.
• Familiarity with ESD practices, thermal profiles, flux selection, and moisture-sensitive component handling.
• Ability to read schematics, assembly drawings, BOMs, and engineering documentation.
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• IPC-A-610, IPC-7711, and/or IPC-7721 certification.
• Experience in robotics, aerospace, consumer electronics, medical devices, or other high-reliability electronics industries.
• Experience supporting prototype bring-up and engineering development programs.
• Familiarity with oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, and basic hardware debugging.
• Prior experience in a fast-paced startup or R&D environment.