Source Inspector, PCBA

Belcan Corporation; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Part time

Job summary

Belcan is seeking an experienced PCBA Source Inspector to perform hands-on inspection of printed circuit board assemblies at local supplier facilities in the Bay Area. The role focuses on ensuring workmanship and documentation meet IPC‑A‑610 criteria, using microscopes and 3D AOI systems to identify defects.

Candidates should have 3+ years of PCBA inspection experience, strong reporting skills, and the ability to travel between supplier locations in the Bay Area.

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on PCBA or high-reliability electronic assembly inspection experience.
• Practical knowledge of IPC-A-610 Class 2 and Class 3 inspection criteria.

Responsibilities

• Perform source and quality inspections of PCBAs and electronic assemblies at supplier facilities.
• Inspect solder joints, component placement, polarity, markings, conformal coating, cleanliness vs drawings and IPC-A-610 criteria.
• Use microscopes and inspection equipment to identify workmanship defects and nonconformances.
• Review inspection results and document findings.
• Travel locally between Bay Area supplier locations (Union City, Fremont, San Jose, San Carlos).

Skills

PCBA inspection

IPC-A-610 knowledge

Reading drawings

Documentation & communication

Education

None

Tools

3D AOI equipment

Microscopes

Inspection equipment

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Source Inspector, PCBA
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Zip Code: 94070
Start Date: Right Away
Job Type: Contract
Pay Rate: $40-$55/hr
Keywords: #SourceInspector #SantaCruzJobs #PCBA

Belcan is seeking an experienced PCBA Quality Inspector / Source Inspector to support a leading aerospace and advanced aviation manufacturer in the Bay Area.

This role will perform hands‑on inspection of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) at local supplier facilities before shipment, helping ensure high‑reliability electronic products meet defined workmanship, quality, and documentation requirements. The ideal candidate brings practical PCBA inspection experience, strong familiarity with IPC-A-610 workmanship standards, and the ability to independently identify visual defects using inspection tools and microscopes.

Responsibilities

• Perform source and quality inspections of PCBAs and electronic assemblies at local supplier facilities.
• Inspect solder joints, component placement, polarity, markings, conformal coating, cleanliness, and overall workmanship against drawings, specifications, and IPC-A-610 criteria.
• Use microscopes and standard electronics‑inspection equipment to identify workmanship defects and nonconformances.
• Operate 3D AOI equipment, review inspection results, and document findings.
• Review electronic drawings, BOMs, inspection requirements, and controlled quality documentation.
• Create clear inspection records and communicate findings, discrepancies, and acceptance criteria with supplier personnel and internal stakeholders.
• Support nonconformance documentation, first‑article activities, traceability, and material disposition as needed.
• Travel locally between supplier locations in Union City, Fremont, San Jose, and Joby"s San Carlos facility.
• Support additional domestic travel as business needs require.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands‑on PCBA, electronics, SMT, or high‑reliability electronic assembly inspection experience.
• Practical knowledge of IPC-A-610 workmanship standards, including Class 2 and Class 3 inspection criteria.
• Experience identifying PCBA defects through visual inspection and microscope use.
• Experience operating and interpreting results from 3D AOI systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electronic drawings, BOMs, specifications, and workmanship requirements.
• Strong documentation skills and ability to communicate inspection findings clearly.
• Ability to work independently in supplier manufacturing environments.
• Valid driver"s license and ability to travel regularly among local Bay Area supplier locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active or previous IPC-A-610 certification.
• J-STD-001 knowledge or certification.
• Experience with digital X‑ray inspection, including BGA, QFN, or hidden solder‑joint evaluation.
• Experience supporting NCRs, MRB, first article inspection, or AS9102 documentation.
• Source inspection, supplier quality, or supplier surveillance experience.
• Background in aerospace, defense, electronics manufacturing services (EMS), automotive electronics, semiconductor, medical‑device electronics, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.