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Position Overview
NuWaves RF Solutions is seeking a detail-oriented Quality Control Inspector (SMT / AOI Programmer) to join our high-reliability manufacturing and quality assurance team. In this critical role, you will be responsible for programming, setting up, and operating our Koh Young 3D Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) system, as well as performing manual visual and microscope inspections on high-mix, high-reliability surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
You will ensure all electronic assemblies meet strict IPC-A-610 Class 3 and J-STD-001 standards in an AS9100 / ISO 9001 aerospace and defense environment. The ideal candidate blends deep quality-standards knowledge with hands-on technical ability to program 3D AOI inspection algorithms, optimize false-call rates, and support root-cause corrective actions.
Key Responsibilities
Koh Young 3D AOI Programming & Operation: Create, debug, fine-tune, and maintain inspection programs on Koh Young 3D AOI machines using CAD data, Gerber files, and Bill of Materials (BOM).
AOI Optimization: Set inspection thresholds, component library models, and measurement parameters for solder joint volume, height, bridging, polarity, coplanarity, and component offset to minimize false calls and false escapes.
IPC-A-610 Inspection: Perform high-magnification visual and dimensional inspections of complex SMT (0201s, QFNs, BGAs, RF components) and through-hole assemblies against IPC-A-610 Class 2/3 criteria.
First Article & In-Process Inspection: Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102 standards, in-process quality audits, and final quality inspections across SMT lines and manual assembly stages.
Defect Disposition & Root Cause Analysis: Identify, photograph, and document non-conformances (NCRs); collaborate with SMT process engineers and operators to pinpoint defect root causes (e.g., solder paste print issues, component placement errors, reflow profiles).
First-Piece Verification: Verify board setup and feeder mapping against customer engineering schematics, assembly drawings, and BOMs prior to full production runs.
Calibration & Documentation: Ensure inspection and measurement equipment (calipers, height gauges, microscopes, automated testers) are within calibration and accurately log all inspection data in the ERP/MES quality module.
ESD & Quality Compliance: Strictly uphold ESD prevention protocols, FOD (Foreign Object Debris) prevention, and AS9100 / ISO 9001 compliance throughout the inspection area.
Qualifications & Technical Requirements
Standards & Certifications: Current or prior certification as an IPC-A-610 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) or Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) required. Certification in IPC J-STD-001 is strongly preferred.
AOI Programming Experience: Proven hands-on experience programming and operating Koh Young 3D AOI systems (e.g., Zenith series / KSMART software). Experience with other 3D/2D AOI platforms (Mirtec, CyberOptics, Koh Young SPI) will also be considered.
SMT Process Knowledge: Strong technical understanding of SMT manufacturing processes, component types (chips, ICs, QFN, BGA, connectors, RF shields), solder paste application, and reflow soldering defects.
Blueprint & Data Interpretation: Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, schematics, Bill of Materials (BOM), CAD/Gerber data, and work instructions.
Measurement Tools: Proficiency using stereo microscopes, digital calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, and optical measurement systems.
Quality Documentation: Experience generating AS9102 First Article Inspection reports and writing clear Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).
Visual Acuity & Dexterity: Excellent visual acuity (natural or corrected), including color vision and depth perception, for sustained microscope inspection work.
Preferred Qualifications
3+ years of inspection and AOI programming experience in an aerospace, defense, RF/microwave, or medical device manufacturing facility.
Familiarity with AS9100D / ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements.
Experience with Solder Paste Inspection (3D SPI) programming and closed-loop process control.
US Citizenship or Permanent Resident (Green Card) status due to ITAR compliance requirements.
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