Quality Technician (QA/QC + AOI Programming)

MacroFab, Inc.; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

MacroFab, Inc. in Houston, TX, seeks a Quality Technician (QA/QC + AOI Programming) to ensure quality and reliability of PCBA assemblies. You will develop, optimize, and maintain AOI programs to maximize defect detection and improve manufacturing efficiency.

The role combines strong QA/QC inspections with AOI programming, requiring knowledge of IPC standards, ISO 9001, and SMT/PCB assembly processes. Join a rapidly growing team delivering world‑class electronics manufacturing services.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent; assoc degree or cert preferred.
• 2+ years in electronics manufacturing, quality inspection, or AOI programming preferred.
• Experience with SMT and PCB assembly environments is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-process and final inspections of PCBAs and electronic products.
• Verify workmanship meets IPC-A-610, customer specs, drawings, and quality standards.
• Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and support new product introductions (NPI).
• Identify, document, and report nonconforming products using NCR procedures.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Perform visual inspections using microscopes and precision inspection equipment.
• Ensure processes comply with ISO 9001, IPC, ESD, and internal procedures.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation.
• Create, modify, validate, and optimize AOI inspection programs for new and existing products.
• Fine-tune inspection parameters to maximize defect detection while minimizing false calls.
• Support AOI machine setup, calibration, and routine maintenance.
• Analyze AOI inspection data and continuously improve program performance.
• Collaborate with Process and Manufacturing Engineering to improve inspection effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot AOI equipment and programming issues.
• Validate AOI programs during NPI and engineering builds.
• Recommend process improvements based on AOI defect trends.
• Monitor production quality metrics and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support process capability studies and quality improvement projects.
• Assist with customer quality investigations and failure analysis.
• Collaborate with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Customer Success, and Supply Chain to resolve quality concerns.
• Promote a culture focused on quality and continuous improvement.

Skills

AOI Programming and Optimization

SMT Process Knowledge

PCB Assembly Inspection

IPC-A-610 Inspection

Quality Assurance (QA)

Quality Control (QC)

Root Cause Analysis

CAPA

First Article Inspection (FAI)

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

ESD Compliance

Manufacturing Documentation

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical certification preferred

Tools

AOI equipment (Mirtec, Koh Young, CyberOptics, Omron, Viscom)

Job description

Quality Technician (QA/QC + AOI Programming)

MacroFab is not just a contract manufacturer, but fundamentally a technology company with a focus on electronics innovation. Our team is comprised of assembly line operators, software engineers, electrical engineers, customer support, marketers, and sales reps. We’re as diverse in skillset as we are in background, with an interesting mix of team members as vast as Houston itself.

MacroFab is the first digital marketplace and intelligent manufacturing platform focused on the $500B market in contract electronics manufacturing. Ourtechnology and services allow customers to rapidly bring new products to market and consume manufacturing as a virtualized resource by offering instant price quotes, rapid prototyping services, and production at scale through a network of factories in North America. Our partners gain a source of low overhead manufacturing jobs, allowing them to fully subscribe their factory capacity and eliminate idle time.

Come join a rapidly growing team where you can take ownership of your role and build your career at MacroFab.

macrofab.com

Position Summary

The Quality Technician (QA/QC + AOI Programming) plays a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of electronic assemblies throughout the manufacturing process. This position is responsible for performing quality assurance and quality control inspections while developing, optimizing, and maintaining Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) programs to maximize defect detection and improve manufacturing efficiency.

The ideal candidate combines strong quality inspection skills with technical knowledge of AOI systems, PCB assembly processes, and IPC standards to help deliver world‑class products to our customers.

Essential Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

• Perform in-process and final inspections of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) and electronic products.
• Verify workmanship meets IPC-A-610, customer specifications, engineering drawings, and quality standards.
• Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and support new product introductions (NPI).
• Identify, document, and report nonconforming products using NCR procedures.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
• Perform visual inspections using microscopes and precision inspection equipment.
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with ISO 9001, IPC standards, ESD requirements, and internal quality procedures.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation.

AOI Programming

• Create, modify, validate, and optimize AOI inspection programs for new and existing products.
• Fine-tune inspection parameters to maximize defect detection while minimizing false calls.
• Support AOI machine setup, calibration, and routine maintenance activities.
• Analyze AOI inspection data and continuously improve program performance.
• Work closely with Process Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering to improve inspection effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot AOI equipment and programming issues.
• Validate AOI programs during new product introductions and engineering builds.
• Recommend process improvements based on AOI defect trends and inspection data.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor production quality metrics and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support process capability studies and quality improvement projects.Assist with customer quality investigations and failure analysis.
• Collaborate with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Customer Success, and Supply Chain to resolve quality concerns.
• Promote a culture focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree or technical certification preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing, quality inspection, or AOI programming preferred.
• Experience with SMT and PCB assembly environments strongly preferred.
• Hands‑on experience programming and operating AOI equipment (Mirtec, Koh Young, CyberOptics, Omron, Viscom, or similar systems) preferred.
• Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 and IPC J-STD-001 standards preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, Gerber files, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and assembly documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing software systems.

Preferred Skills

• AOI Programming and Optimization
• SMT Process Knowledge
• PCB Assembly Inspection
• IPC-A-610 Inspection
• Quality Assurance (QA)
• Quality Control (QC)
• Root Cause Analysis
• CAPA
• First Article Inspection (FAI)
• Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Lean Manufacturing
• Continuous Improvement
• ESD Compliance
• Manufacturing Documentation
• Cross‑functional Collaboration

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk throughout the manufacturing facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Manual dexterity for handling electronic assemblies and precision inspection equipment.
• Ability to use microscopes, AOI systems, measuring instruments, and computer workstations for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow ESD procedures.

Success in This Role

A successful Quality Technician (QA/QC + AOI Programming) is highly detail-oriented, analytical, and committed to delivering exceptional quality. They leverage both manual inspection techniques and automated inspection technology to identify defects before products reach customers. By continuously improving AOI programs, collaborating across departments, and driving quality initiatives, they help reduce defects, improve manufacturing efficiency, and ensure every product meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Even if you don't meet all of the requirements listed here, we still encourage you to apply. Skills can be used in many different ways, and your life and professional experience may be relevant beyond what any list of requirements will capture.

Note: MacroFab is currently not sponsoring H1-B Visas