PCB Assembly Quality Inspector Electronics Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Quality Control (QC) Inspector is responsible for performing inspection activities within an electronics manufacturing environment, focusing on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), electronic components, and finished electronic products. This role supports incoming, in-process, and final inspections to ensure compliance with IPC-A-610 standards, customer specifications, and internal quality requirements.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience inspecting SMT and through-hole PCB assemblies, identifying solder and component defects, and working in a high-mix electronics manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections of PCB assemblies, electronic components, and finished electronic products 
• Inspect SMT and through-hole assemblies for component placement, polarity, solder quality, and workmanship defects 
• Verify compliance with IPC-A-610 standards, engineering drawings, BOMs, assembly documentation, and customer specifications 
• Conduct first article inspections and approve production startup releases 
• Identify defects such as insufficient solder, bridging, missing/misaligned components, lifted leads, and polarity issues 
• Utilize microscopes, calipers, gauges, and other inspection equipment to verify product quality 
• Document inspection findings and nonconformances accurately within quality systems and databases 
• Escalate quality concerns and support root cause investigations and corrective actions 
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality teams to maintain product quality and process compliance 
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to electronics manufacturing quality 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and ESD-safe work environment
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of quality inspection experience in an electronics manufacturing or PCB assembly environment 
• Experience in inspecting SMT and through-hole PCB assemblies 
• Working knowledge of IPC-A-610 standards (certification preferred) 
• Ability to identify common PCB assembly and soldering defects 
• Experience reading BOMs, assembly drawings, work instructions, and specifications 
• Familiarity with electronic components, polarity markings, and component identification 
• Experience using inspection equipment such as microscopes, calipers, gauges, and measuring tools 
• Basic computer skills for quality documentation and data entry 
• Understanding of ESD handling practices and electronics manufacturing processes preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• IPC-A-610 Certification 
• Experience with AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) systems 
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality systems 
• Electronics manufacturing services (EMS) experience preferred 
• Associate degree in Electronics Technology or related field preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy 
• Ability to identify electronic assembly defects and non-conformances 
• Understanding of electronics manufacturing quality standards and inspection methods 
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment 
• Strong communication and teamwork skills 
• Ability to prioritize tasks and maintain inspection throughput