Soldering Process Engineer

Job Title: Soldering Process Engineer (IPC Certified, Selective, Dip, Hand) Company: Richardson Electronics, Ltd. Type: Full time Job 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 standards Evaluate and approve dip, selective, and hand soldering processes for production readiness Identify solder defects (e.g., bridging, insufficient wetting, voiding, cold joints) and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions Develop, document, and maintain inspection criteria, work instructions, and acceptance standards Provide technical guidance and training to operators and inspectors on proper soldering techniques and defect recognition Support process validation activities including profiling, first article inspection (FAI), and process qualification Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to improve soldering yields and reduce rework/scrap Audit soldering processes and workmanship for compliance with internal and customer requirements Participate in failure analysis and reliability investigations related to solder joint performance Maintain 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 areas Use 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 experience IPC-A-610 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) or Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) strongly preferred J-STD-001 certification preferred 3–7+ years of experience in electronics manufacturing with hands-on soldering and inspection Strong knowledge of dip, selective, and hand soldering processes and equipment Proven ability to identify and classify solder defects accurately Familiarity 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