Job Title: Electrical Technician / Production Assembler
Job Description
The Electrical Technician / Production Assembler builds and inspects electrical component assemblies on a production floor, working under the direction of an Assembly Lead. This hands-on role focuses on soldering, wire harness, cable, and panel assembly to meet IPC certification standards and project schedules. The position requires strong fine motor skills, close attention to detail, and a commitment to precise, repeatable, and well-documented work. The role is structured across three progression levels-Level I (Assembly Trainee), Level II (Production Assembler), and Level III (Production Assembler)-with increasing scope, independence, and ownership of quality.
Responsibilities
Build electrical component assemblies in accordance with engineering drawings, work instructions, bills of materials (BOMs), and IPC quality standards.
Perform hand soldering, wire termination, crimping, and routing in line with IPC J-STD-001 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 practices.
Build, dress, and label wire harnesses and cable assemblies to print and in compliance with IPC-A-620 acceptance criteria.
Perform component placement, mounting, and mechanical assembly tasks using appropriate hand tools and shop equipment.
Inspect completed work against IPC-A-610 acceptance criteria, identifying and flagging defects, mislabeled parts, or workmanship issues before passing work forward.
Maintain accurate build records, traveler entries, and as-built documentation in accordance with the quality system.
Operate hand tools, soldering equipment, crimpers, and assembly fixtures safely and effectively.
Maintain a clean, organized, and production-ready workstation consistent with 5S principles and safety standards.
Support continuous improvement of assembly methods and shop practices by identifying gaps in work instructions and communicating them to leadership.
Uphold safety, quality, and housekeeping standards at all times.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support production and operations needs.
Install electrical and electronic parts and hardware in housing assemblies for various industrial control panel and automation projects, including applications for hybrid and electric vessels.
At Level I, perform assigned soldering, harness, and assembly tasks under direct supervision and strictly follow documented work instructions.
At Level I, complete IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 certifications within the onboarding window and actively seek guidance by asking questions and surfacing uncertainties.
At Level I, build foundational proficiency with hand tools, soldering equipment, and standard assembly fixtures while receiving mentoring from more experienced team members.
At Level II, independently execute standard builds end-to-end from drawings, BOMs, and work instructions with minimal supervision.
At Level II, maintain active IPC J-STD-001 (CIS) and IPC-A-610 (CIS) certifications and add IPC/WHMA-A-620 (CIS) for wire harness assignments.
At Level II, inspect own work to IPC acceptance criteria, maintain a low rework rate on standard work, and flag defects or missing inputs without prompting.
At Level II, informally support Level I trainees on standard tasks and demonstrate proper techniques when asked.
At Level III, independently execute complex and high-mix builds, including first-article and proto@type work.
At Level III, maintain active CIS status across J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 and be eligible to enter Siemens SMSCP Level 1 (Lead Track).
At Level III, set the workmanship standard for the cell and help identify recurring defect modes while contributing to improvements in quality and process.
Essential Skills
Strong fine motor skills and manual dexterity for precise electrical and electronic assembly work.
High attention to detail with a strong commitment to workmanship quality and documentation accuracy.
Ability to read and follow written work instructions, engineering drawings, and bills of materials.
Ability to follow directions and manage multiple build priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with leads and team members.
Ability to lift, move, and stage materials and assemblies safely as part of daily production activities.
Reliable, punctual, and safety-minded, consistently following PPE, ESD, and equipment operation requirements.
Capability to perform hand soldering, wire termination, crimping, and routing in alignment with IPC J-STD-001 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 practices.
Ability to build and dress wire harnesses and cable assemblies to IPC-A-620 acceptance criteria.
Ability to inspect work against IPC-A-610 acceptance criteria and identify defects or workmanship issues.
Comfort working with electrical panels, electronics, and industrial control panel and automation systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Willingness to progress through a structured three-level framework: Level I (Assembly Trainee), Level II (Production Assembler), and Level III Production Assembler).
For Level I: Ability and willingness to complete IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 certifications within the onboarding period.
For Level II: Active IPC J-STD-001 (CIS) and IPC-A-610 (CIS) certifications, with IPC/WHMA-A-620 (CIS) for wire harness assignments.
For Level III: Active CIS status across J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 and eligibility for Siemens SMSCP Level 1 (Lead Track).
Interest in industrial control panel and automation work, including projects involving hybrid and electric vessels.
Openness to mentoring and being mentored, depending on level, to support a collaborative production environment.
Desire to contribute to continuous improvement of assembly methods, documentation, and shop practices.
Why Work Here?
You join a growing organization that offers clear room for advancement through a structured levels framework and opportunities to build an in-demand skilled trade. The company provides comprehensive health, dental, eye care, employee assistance program, and a small life insurance policy, with 100% of health, dental, and eye care premiums covered for employees and their dependents. You benefit from a retirement fund with up to 5% company matching (currently on hold), 14 days of paid time off, and 12 paid holidays, supporting a healthy work-life balance. You work in a culture that values craftsmanship, safety, continuous learning, and long-term career development.
Work Environment
This role is based on a production floor in a clean shop environment, with standard hours from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Work focuses on bench and floor assembly of electrical components, wire harnesses, cables, and panels using hand tools, soldering equipment, crimpers, and assembly fixtures. The environment emphasizes organized workstations, 5S practices, and adherence to safety, PPE, and ESD requirements. There is currently no work in the shipyard, although additional projects are being bid, which may expand future work locations. The setting is structured, repeatable, and documentation-driven, supporting consistent quality and reliable production output.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Newport News, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Newport News,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 2026.
About Aerotek
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
