Production Associate

NextGen RF Design is seeking a Production Associate to support hands-on electronics production assembly and testing activities within our manufacturing operations.

This role is responsible for completing routine new-production assembly soldering and functional testing using established work instructions and test procedures. The Production Associate will also provide backup support for shipping receiving and inventory activities as needed to help maintain production flow.

The ideal candidate is dependable detail-oriented and comfortable working in a hands-on electronics manufacturing environment. We are willing to train an entry-level candidate who demonstrates the aptitude attention to detail and commitment to quality needed to succeed in the role. Soldering training will be provided as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Production Assembly and Soldering

• Perform manual assembly soldering and basic production activities for electronic components subassemblies and finished products in accordance with established work instructions.
• Perform light mechanical assembly kitting labeling and other production activities as assigned.
• Handle electronic components and assemblies in accordance with applicable ESD and workmanship requirements.
• Use hand tools soldering equipment and other production tools safely and appropriately.

Functional Testing and Quality

• Perform functional testing using established test procedures and equipment; accurately document results and escalate failures or unexpected results to appropriate technical personnel.
• Perform visual and in-process inspections as trained and identify material or product that does not meet established requirements.
• Segregate and communicate nonconforming or suspect material in accordance with established processes.
• Maintain accurate production test material and traceability records as required by work instructions and company procedures.

Materials and Inventory Support

• Support material preparation kitting labeling and movement of materials and finished goods through the production process.
• Perform inventory transactions accurately using established systems and procedures.
• Assist with cycle counts inventory organization material control and identification of inventory discrepancies.
• Maintain organized production materials and work areas to support efficient workflow and material traceability.

Shipping and Receiving Backup

• Provide backup support for shipping and receiving activities when needed to maintain operational coverage.
• Receive and verify incoming materials against applicable documentation and route materials appropriately.
• Package finished products to protect against damage and prepare shipments in accordance with established requirements.
• Prepare shipping labels and documentation and complete associated inventory or system transactions as trained.

Production Support and Continuous Improvement

• Work collaboratively with manufacturing engineering quality and operations personnel to meet production priorities and schedules.
• Maintain a clean organized and safe production environment and follow applicable 5S safety quality and ESD practices.
• Cross-train on applicable production and operational activities to provide flexibility and coverage based on business needs.
• Identify production issues inefficiencies or improvement opportunities and communicate them to the appropriate personnel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support production and operational needs.

Required Qualifications

Ability and willingness to learn electronics assembly and soldering techniques and successfully complete required training.

High school diploma or equivalent or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Basic computer skills and ability to learn production inventory shipping and documentation systems.

Ability to read understand and consistently follow written work instructions test procedures drawings packing lists and related production documentation.

Strong attention to detail reliability teamwork and communication skills.

Ability to recognize unexpected results defects or discrepancies and appropriately stop document and escalate issues rather than independently changing established processes.

Ability to work effectively in a hands-on production environment and cross-train in shipping receiving and inventory support activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in electronics assembly manufacturing or a similar production environment.
• Formal soldering electronics manufacturing or technical training.
• Experience working in a small or mid-sized manufacturing environment.
• Experience with functional testing ERP/MRP or inventory systems and shipping/receiving systems.
• Previous electronics assembly soldering or manufacturing experience.
• Relevant workmanship or soldering certification if applicable.
• Experience with ESD-controlled environments inventory practices or quality inspection activities.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; bend reach and perform repetitive production activities; and lift carry push or pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds as required.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills necessary to handle small electronic components and safely use soldering equipment hand tools computers and established production/test equipment.
• Work is primarily performed on-site in an electronics production/manufacturing environment and may include time in inventory shipping/receiving and related operational work areas. Adherence to ESD controls safety practices and quality procedures is required.
• Ability to work the positions established work schedule and provide reasonable flexibility to support production and shipping/receiving needs as required.
• Ability to visually inspect small components assemblies labels and workmanship for accuracy and quality.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position consistent with applicable law.

Job Snapshot

Employment: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Quality and Operations Manager

Supervisory Responsibility: No

Work Location: North Mankato On-Site

Required Travel: None

General Statement

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on business needs. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities that are reasonably related to the position and organizational needs.

Required Experience:

IC