Electronics Assemblers, Fabricators, Inspectors and Testers

Nature of work

Electronics assemblers and fabricators assemble and make electronic equipment, parts and components. Electronics inspectors and testers inspect and test electronic and electromechanical assemblies, subassemblies, parts and components to make sure they meet prescribed standards. They work for electronics manufacturing plants.

Job duties

Electronics assemblers:

• Solder and manually assemble electronic components like resistors, diodes, transistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, switches, wires and other electronic parts to designated locations on printed circuit boards.
• Assemble microcircuits requiring fine hand assembly, the use of microscopes and follow cleanroom procedures.
• Install, mount, fasten, align and adjust parts, components, wiring and harnesses to subassemblies and assemblies using hand and small power tools.
• Use machines to position, solder and clean components on printed circuit boards.
• May replace defective components and repair and overhaul older devices.

Electronics fabricators:

• Use and monitor process equipment and machines to make electronic components, solder, clean, seal and stamp components and perform other process operations as specified.
• Set up process equipment and follow cleanroom procedures as required.

Electronics inspectors:

• Inspect electronic components and assemblies to confirm correct component selection and placement, wiring and soldering quality, proper pin insertions, location and diameter of plated holes, breaks in circuitry and line spacing in printed circuit board and other requirements while products are being assembled or made.
• Check final assembly for finish, labelling and packaging methods.
• Check mechanical dimensions and perform "go-no-go" electrical tests.
• Identify and mark acceptable and defective assemblies and return faulty assemblies to production for repair.
• Collect, record and summarize inspection results.
• Investigate equipment malfunction and instruct on proper operation.

Electronics testers:

• Use test equipment and tools to perform simple electrical and continuity testing of electronic components, parts and systems.
• Set up and use automatic testing equipment to locate circuit and wiring faults, shorts and component defects.
• Compare test results to specifications and set parts or products aside for repair or replace components or parts as indicated by test equipment.
• May carry out life tests (burn-ins) on components, subassemblies and assemblies.
• Maintain test result reports.

Sample job titles

• capacitor assembler
• circuit board assembler
• component inserting machine operator
• crystal final tester
• electronic components tester
• electronics inspector
• precision instrument assembler
• printed circuit board (PCB) assembly inspector
• surface mount assembler
• through-hole assembler
• wafer fabrication operator
• wave soldering machine operator
• wiring and assembly operator

Skills

This work requires excellent spatial perception, form perception, and eye-to-finger coordination. You must be accurate and able to pay close attention to detail. A keen interest in working with machines and routine processes is necessary. You should also be physically fit and have good eyesight and hearing.

Job requirements

• High school is required.
• On-the-job training is usually provided for jobs in this group.
• Electronics testers may need college courses in basic electronic theory, testing techniques and testing equipment.
• Electronics inspectors and testers may need experience as an electronics assembler or component fabricator.

Other considerations

Movement from electronics assembler or component fabricator to electronics inspector or tester is possible with additional training and experience. Self-employment in these jobs is rare, and work is not typically seasonal.

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