Soldering Process Engineer

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Title: Soldering Process Engineer (IPC Certified, Selective, Dip, Hand) Company: Richardson Electronics, Ltd.Type: Full timeJob Description: The Soldering Process & Inspection Specialist is responsible for ensuring the quality, reliability, and compliance of soldering operations including dip soldering, selective soldering, and hand soldering. This role serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in soldering processes and inspection standards, supporting production, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives in a high-reliability electronics manufacturing environment.Job Responsibilities: Essential Job Functions:

Perform visual and mechanical inspection of solder joints in accordance with IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 standardsEvaluate and approve dip, selective, and hand soldering processes for production readinessIdentify solder defects (e.g., bridging, insufficient wetting, voiding, cold joints) and drive root cause analysis and corrective actionsDevelop, document, and maintain inspection criteria, work instructions, and acceptance standardsProvide technical guidance and training to operators and inspectors on proper soldering techniques and defect recognitionSupport process validation activities including profiling, first article inspection (FAI), and process qualificationCollaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve soldering yields and reduce rework/scrapAudit soldering processes and workmanship for compliance with internal and customer requirementsParticipate in failure analysis and reliability investigations related to solder joint performanceMaintain inspection records and ensure traceability per quality management system requirements

Preferred Skills & Expertise:

• Experience in high-reliability industries (aerospace, defense, medical, automotive)

• Understanding of thermal profiling and process optimization

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and assembly documentation

• Knowledge of ESD controls and handling procedures

• Experience with quality systems (ISO 9001, AS9100, etc.)

• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline

• Effective communication and training skills

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• First-pass yield (FPY) for soldering processes

• Defect rate and escape rate

• Rework and scrap reduction

• Audit findings and compliance scores

• Training effectiveness and operator certification rates

Work Environment: Electronics manufacturing floor and inspection areasUse of microscopes and fine motor tools Exposure to soldering materials and controlled ESD environments(office, warehouse, remote/hybrid): Manufacturing

Travel Requirements (% if applicable): 0-10%

Physical Requirements (lifting, standing, etc.): Requires the ability to stand and walk on the production floor as well as sit for extended periods performing detailed soldering and inspection work. Must have strong manual dexterity, close visual acuity for microscope use, and be able to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs while working in an ESD-controlled manufacturing environment.Qualification Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related field) preferred, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on soldering/process experienceIPC-A-610 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) or Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) strongly preferredJ-STD-001 certification preferred3–7+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing with hands-on soldering and inspectionStrong knowledge of dip, selective, and hand soldering processes and equipmentProven ability to identify and classify solder defects accuratelyFamiliarity with microscopes, inspection tools, and measurement equipment About Richardson Electronics: Richardson Electronics, Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions, power grid and microwave tubes, and related consumables; power conversion and RF and microwave components including green energy solutions; high-value replacement parts, tubes, and service training for diagnostic imaging equipment; and customized display solutions. More than 60% of our products are manufactured in LaFox, Illinois, Marlborough, Massachusetts, or Donaueschingen, Germany, or by one of our manufacturing partners throughout the world.

All our partners manufacture to our strict specifications and adhere to our supplier terms and conditions. We serve customers in the alternative energy, healthcare, aviation, broadcast, communications, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific, and semiconductor markets. The Company’s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and “engineered solutions” based on our core engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

The Company provides solutions and adds value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics, and aftermarket technical service and repair through its global infrastructure. More information is available at www.rell.com.

Our manufacturing facility operates under lean manufacturing principles, which means we are focused on efficiency, continuous improvement, and meeting customer demand in real time. As part of our team, you may be asked to flex between different areas or responsibilities depending on production needs. This flexibility is key to how we maintain a responsive, high-performing operation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment Richardson Electronics is an international organization with offices worldwide. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees have equal opportunities to succeed, grow, and contribute. We believe in creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and supported.

By promoting fairness, inclusivity, and a culture of mutual respect, we ensure that our employees, customers, and the communities we serve can achieve their goals. Our ability to bring together individuals with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our continued global success.Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled*Must be authorized to work in the US. Required postings:Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdfEmployer Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdfEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO) Know Your Rights https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdfInvitation to Self-Identify https://www.rell.com/webfoo/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Invitation-to-Self-Identify.pdfPay Range: $85,000 to $115,000 per year plus incentiveBenefits: Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance with multiple PPO and HSA plan options, as well as dental and vision coverage.

We offer flexible spending accounts (FSA), life insurance, voluntary life insurance, short- and long-term disability (STD & LTD), an employee assistance program (EAP), smoking cessation support, weight management program, pet insurance, LifeLock identity protection, and a 401(k)-retirement plan. Additionally, we provide generous vacation time, sick/personal days, 10 paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement to support ongoing education and work-life balance.