Development Technician (PCBA) - 2nd Shift (Starlink)
About The Position
This role serves as the bridge between production execution and engineering development for the Starlink PCBA team. You will apply hands-on SMT expertise to support the transition of hardware from early development through qualification and into rate production. Working closely with Engineering and Production teams, you will build and troubleshoot pre-production and qualification hardware while helping optimize SMT processes and production lines. The ideal candidate: has strong SMT/PCBA experience; enjoys working directly with engineers; proven skills for troubleshooting complex issues; possesses excellent attention to detail; and thrives in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- 1+ years of hands-on experience in SMT/PCBA manufacturing, assembly, or test
Nice To Haves
- Associates degree, apprenticeship, or military electronics technician training
- Experience working directly with engineers in development or new process introduction (NPI) environments
- Hands-on experience programming and optimizing SMT processes (pick & place, reflow, conformal coating, through-hole, AOI, or X-ray inspection)
- Proficiency reading and interpreting schematics, assembly drawings, Gerber files, and work instructions
- Soldering experience with IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 certification (Class 2 or 3)
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with minimal supervision
- Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and basic ERP systems
- Excellent attention to detail with the ability to identify subtle defects and maintain high-quality output in a high-volume environment
- Positive attitude, strong team player, and willingness to provide constructive feedback to improve designs and tooling
- Previous aerospace, automotive, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing experience
Responsibilities
- Support production engineering during development and pre-production phases by building, assembling, and testing pre-production, qualification, and flight PCBA hardware
- Assist with initial PCBA line setup, equipment programming, qualification of test setups, and transition of new designs into production
- Program, load, and operate automated SMT production machines including pick & place, reflow ovens, stencil printers, conformal coating, AOI, and X-ray systems
- Operate and troubleshoot SMT equipment (pick & place, reflow ovens, stencil printers, conformal coating, AOI, X-ray) with a focus on process stability and yield improvement
- Perform rework and recovery on non-conforming hardware while maintaining design integrity and documenting root causes
- Support continuous improvement projects including test rack builds, factory automation, and production line enhancements
- Thoroughly document processes, failures, and improvements using data to drive corrective actions and yield increases
- Provide surge support for critical production, qualification, or development builds
- Collaborate with engineers to give real-time feedback on manufacturability, DFM opportunities, and process issues
- Assist with training of junior technicians on SMT equipment operation and basic troubleshooting
- Work with production support teams to guarantee the daily success of PCBA production safely, reliably, and at rate
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Various other discounts and perks
- 3 weeks of paid vacation
- 10 or more paid holidays per year
- Paid sick time (in compliance with state and federal law for Washington State employees)
- Company shuttles from select Seattle locations to the Redmond office
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
