As a Test Engineer at Rocket EMS, you will play a key role in supporting product quality and production readiness across our SMT manufacturing lines. This position is responsible for developing, optimizing, validating, and maintaining Automated X-ray Inspection programs used to inspect PCB assemblies for solder quality, hidden joints, component placement, polarity, voiding, bridging, and other workmanship defects.
The Test Egineer AXI Programmer works closely with Engineering, Quality, SMT Production, AOI/AXI Operators, and Rework teams to ensure inspection programs are accurate, efficient, repeatable, and aligned with IPC and customer requirements. This role requires strong technical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot both program-related and process-related inspection issues.
Develop, modify, and maintain AXI inspection programs for new and existing PCB assemblies.
Create and optimize inspection parameters for BGAs, QFNs, bottom-terminated components, through-hole solder joints, hidden solder connections, and other critical features.
Review and interpret job documentation including MPIs, BOMs, CAD data, Gerbers, assembly drawings, ECOs, deviations, and customer specifications.
Support new product introduction by creating AXI programs prior to or during first builds.
Validate AXI programs through first article inspection, golden board comparison, defect verification, and production feedback.
Adjust AXI algorithms, thresholds, inspection windows, and acceptance criteria to reduce false calls while maintaining defect detection capability.
Analyze AXI images and inspection results to determine true defects, process issues, program issues, or false rejects.
Support inspection of PCB assemblies to IPC-A-610 Class 2 and Class 3 workmanship standards.
Partner with Process Engineering, Quality, SMT, and Rework teams to identify recurring solder defects and support root-cause analysis.
Provide technical support to AOI/AXI Operators during production runs.
Train operators on program usage, defect review expectations, and proper escalation of inspection concerns.
Maintain AXI program revision control and ensure programs match the correct assembly revision and customer requirements.
Escalate critical or recurring defects immediately and stop production when product quality may be at risk.
Support continuous improvement efforts related to inspection efficiency, false call reduction, defect capture, and process stability.
Ensure AXI equipment, programs, and inspection processes are maintained in accordance with company procedures, ESD/MSD requirements, and safety standards.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Technical training, associate degree, or equivalent experience in electronics manufacturing, SMT, electronics inspection, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in SMT, AOI, AXI, electronics inspection, or PCB assembly manufacturing preferred.
Prior experience creating or programming AXI inspection programs strongly preferred.
Experience with high-reliability, aerospace, medical, defense, or contract electronics manufacturing is a plus.
Experience working with IPC-A-610 Class 2 and Class 3 assemblies preferred.
IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification preferred.
Strong understanding of SMT assembly processes, solder defects, component types, and PCB workmanship standards.
Ability to program, troubleshoot, and optimize AXI inspection routines.
Ability to interpret AXI images and identify defects such as insufficient solder, bridging, voiding, opens, shorts, head-in-pillow, misalignment, polarity errors, and BGA/QFN solder issues.
Ability to read and understand BOMs, assembly drawings, CAD data, Gerbers, MPIs, ECOs, and customer specifications.
Strong working knowledge of IPC-A-610 Class 2 and Class 3 requirements.
Ability to distinguish between true defects, process variation, and false calls.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and manufacturing/inspection software.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
Ability to work independently while supporting production schedules and quality requirements.
401(k) with company match
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Paid time off
Opportunities for growth in a high-reliability electronics manufacturing environment
8-hour shifts, Monday–Friday
Overtime and weekend work as required
Rocket EMS will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act. Candidates are not required to disclose criminal history or participate in a background check unless and until a conditional offer of employment has been made. Any final offer of employment may be conditioned on completion of a background check, consistent with applicable law.
