PCBA Technician

Impulse Space, Inc.; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) plan

Job summary

Impulse Space is seeking a PCBA Technician in Redondo Beach to support spacecraft assembly, rework, and diagnostics for high-reliability avionics. You will collaborate with EE, ME, and manufacturing teams, perform precise soldering and SMT work, and ensure adherence to ESD and cleanroom protocols while following engineering instructions.

Responsibilities include interpreting drawings, maintaining lab equipment, and implementing technical modifications per ECOs in a fast-paced startup.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on PCBA assembly/rework or electronics technician roles.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 or IPC-7711/7721 workmanship standards (certification a plus).
• Proficiency in soldering and rework of SMT and through-hole components.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret schematics, PCB layer stacks, BOMs, ECOs, and assembly drawings with high accuracy.
• Perform high-quality soldering and SMT assembly/rework on a wide range of component sizes and package types.
• Assemble, modify, and repair PCBAs according to engineering instructions, including component replacements and wiring updates.
• Conduct visual inspections and basic electrical checks to verify workmanship quality.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment including microscopes, soldering stations, reflow tools, multimeters, and oscilloscopes.
• Perform underfill, conformal coating, staking, and potting per spacecraft requirements.
• Follow strict ESD, FOD, and cleanroom protocols during all manufacturing evolutions.
• Collaborate with EE, ME, and manufacturing teams to improve processes.

Skills

Soldering & rework

Read schematics

Electrical assembly

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

IPC-A-610 / IPC-7711/7721 certs (preferred)

Tools

Soldering stations

Oscilloscopes

Microscopes

Reflow equipment

Job description

Description

As a PCBA Technician at Impulse, you will perform a wide range of spacecraft assembly, rework, and diagnostic tasks to support the development and production of high-reliability avionics and flight hardware. You will work closely with electrical engineering, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure the highest levels of workmanship, quality and mission readiness.

Department

Manufacturing

Location

Redondo Beach

Compensation

$25.00 - $55.00 / hour

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret schematics, PCB layer stacks, BOMs, ECOs, and assembly drawings with high accuracy
• Perform high-quality soldering and SMT assembly/rework on a wide range of component sizes and package types, including fine-pitch and high-density devices
• Assemble, modify, and repair PCBAs according to engineering instructions, including component replacements, wiring updates, and mechanical integration steps
• Conduct visual inspections and basic electrical checks to verify workmanship quality and identify assembly defects
• Operate and maintain standard electronics lab equipment, including microscopes, soldering stations, reflow tools, multimeters, and oscilloscopes
• Perform underfill, conformal coating, staking, and potting per spacecraft environmental requirements
• Follow strict ESD, FOD, and cleanroom protocols during all manufacturing evolutions
• Collaborate with EE, ME, and manufacturing teams to improve technical processes and resolve issues

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in PCBA assembly, rework, or electronics technician roles
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 or IPC-7711/7721 workmanship standards (formal certification is a plus)
• Proficiency in soldering and rework of SMT and through-hole components, including fine-pitch packages
• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, assembly drawings, and PCB documentation
• Demonstrated experience performing component replacements, wire mods, jumpers, and board-level repairs
• Experience working with underfilling, conformal coating, staking, or potting materials
• Ability to follow detailed engineering instructions, work orders, and ECO-drive modifications
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-reliability workmanship
• Ability to work and collaborate effectively in a team-first environment, supporting cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and test groups
• Willingness to adapt, learn, and embrace change in a fast-growing startup environment where processes and priorities evolve rapidly

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Prior experience working on aerospace, spaceflight, defense, or other high-reliability electronic systems
• IPC-A-610 or IPC-7711/7721 certification, or equivalent industry-recognized training
• Experience supporting prototype hardware builds, first-article assemblies, or rapid-turn engineering modifications
• Working knowledge of cable and harness fabrication

Additional Information

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.