PCBA Test Technician

Position Summary

The PCBA Test Technician is responsible for troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing populated printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) at Functional Circuit Test (FCT) and other in-line test stations to ensure product quality. This position performs root-cause failure analysis down to the component/schematic level and documents and reports failure and test data to Production Engineering to support first-pass yield and quality improvement initiatives. The role also supports troubleshooting and basic maintenance of production machinery and automated equipment, helping minimize downtime when equipment issues arise on the manufacturing floor.

The ideal candidate possesses strong PCBA-level schematic reading and layout navigation skills, prior experience diagnosing electronic test failures in a manufacturing environment, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Production Engineering, Test Engineering, Operations, and Production teams. Candidates who can also troubleshoot industrial electrical/control systems on production machinery are strongly preferred.

Essential Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair PCBA failures identified at the Functional Circuit Test (FCT) station
• Read and interpret PCBA schematics, assembly drawings, and bills of material (BOM), and navigate PCB layout, to trace failures to the component or net level
• Perform root-cause failure analysis on test rejects (e.g., component placement/polarity errors, solder defects, marginal timing, incorrect values) and document findings
• Use bench equipment (DMM, oscilloscope, power supplies, thermal camera) to isolate and verify circuit-level faults
• Rework and repair PCBAs, including component-level rework, per IPC-A-610/J-STD-001 workmanship standards
• Report failure trends and test data to Production Engineering to support their first-pass yield and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support and maintain the FCT fixture and test program updates as products change
• Maintain accurate test, repair, and maintenance records, work orders, and documentation
• Follow all safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), electrical safety requirements, and OSHA regulations, and maintain a clean and organized work area
• Troubleshoot and diagnose electrical faults on production equipment and automated machinery, reading electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for line and facility equipment as needed
• Perform basic preventive and corrective maintenance on production equipment, and assist maintenance/engineering staff with equipment installations and upgrades, to help minimize downtime
• Perform other test, troubleshooting, and maintenance duties or special projects as assigned

Qualifications Required

• Associate degree in Electronics Technology, Electronics Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, or a related field (required)
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience troubleshooting and repairing PCBAs in an electronics manufacturing environment (e.g., FCT rework, component-level repair)
• Ability to read PCBA schematics, assembly drawings, and BOMs down to the component level
• Experience navigating PCBA layout (locating components, traces, and test points on the physical board) in addition to schematics
• Ability to read electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for industrial equipment
• Knowledge of electronic components, solder joint standards (IPC-A-610/J-STD-001), and PCBA rework techniques
• Working knowledge of motors, motor controls, sensors, relays, contactors, VFDs, and other industrial electrical components
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

Preferred

• IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, automated manufacturing equipment, or conveyor systems
• Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems
• Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems)
• Industrial electrician license or other applicable technical certifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong PCBA-level schematic reading, layout navigation, component identification, and root-cause diagnostic skills
• Solid electrical troubleshooting and diagnostic skills applicable to both electronics and industrial equipment
• Understanding of OSHA regulations and electrical safety practices
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work under pressure during production test escalations or equipment failures
• Commitment to product quality, accurate data reporting, workplace safety, and continuous improvement
• Ability to prioritize work while maintaining a high level of quality

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing and sitting at a bench/test station; occasional walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, and reaching
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to occasionally work from ladders, lifts, and elevated platforms
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and manufacturing environments
• Ability to distinguish wire colors and safely perform electrical troubleshooting, including fine PCBA component work under magnification
• Ability to work overtime or respond to emergency test or maintenance needs as required