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Automated Optical Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operate Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment for circuit board assemblies * Inspect electronic components and assemblies for quality and accuracy * Learn to identify component types ...

Quality Inspector

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Operate Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment * Identify electronic components and ensure proper placement and quality * Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 quality standards * Document inspection ...

Quality Inspector

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Operate Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment * Identify electronic components and ensure proper placement and quality * Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 quality standards * Document inspection ...

Recipe development, defect identification and classification for automated optical inspection (AOI) systems * Development of recipes and analysis of data for Camtek bump height, F5x, XRD, XRF ...

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Automated Optical Inspector information

What is the difference between Automated Optical Inspector vs PCB Inspector?

AspectAutomated Optical InspectorPCB Inspector
CredentialsTechnical certifications in electronics or quality controlSimilar certifications, often with electronics or manufacturing focus
Work EnvironmentElectronics manufacturing, quality assurance labsElectronics assembly lines, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageUsed across electronics, PCB manufacturing, and quality controlPrimarily in PCB assembly and inspection processes
Job FocusAutomates visual inspection of PCBs for defectsInspects PCBs for quality and defects manually or semi-automatically

Automated Optical Inspectors are specialized machines used to automatically detect defects in PCBs during manufacturing, while PCB Inspectors typically perform manual or semi-automated inspections. Both roles are essential in ensuring product quality but differ in automation level and job scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automated Optical Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automated Optical Inspector, you need a solid understanding of electronics manufacturing processes, attention to detail, and familiarity with quality control standards, often supported by technical diplomas or relevant experience. Proficiency with AOI machines, image analysis software, and common inspection systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently make someone stand out in this role. These skills are essential for ensuring product quality, minimizing defects, and supporting efficient manufacturing operations.

What are Automated Optical Inspectors?

Automated Optical Inspectors (AOIs) are specialized machines used in manufacturing, particularly in the electronics industry, to visually inspect products like printed circuit boards (PCBs) for defects. They use cameras, lighting, and advanced image processing software to detect issues such as soldering problems, missing components, or misalignments. AOIs help improve product quality by quickly identifying errors early in the production process, reducing the need for manual inspection. Operators or technicians work with AOI systems to monitor performance, interpret results, and maintain the equipment. Their role is crucial for ensuring high standards and efficiency in automated manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges Automated Optical Inspectors face when working with new PCB designs?

Automated Optical Inspectors often encounter challenges when inspecting new or complex PCB designs, as variations in solder masks, component placements, and board layouts can lead to false positives or missed defects. Additionally, adapting inspection parameters and programming the AOI system to accurately identify defects on unfamiliar boards requires close collaboration with engineers and production staff. Staying up-to-date with the latest inspection software and understanding how to fine-tune algorithms are key to overcoming these obstacles and maintaining high-quality standards.
More about Automated Optical Inspector jobs
Infographic showing various Automated Optical Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Manufacturing Engineer/Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Optical/Xray)

Manufacturing Engineer/Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Optical/Xray)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is looking for you to join our team as a Manufacturing Engineer based at our Salt Lake City, UT campus.
The Manufacturing Engineering will join the Advanced Electronics and Avionics Manufacturing Engineering Team and will develop and maintain technical solutions for the manufacturing of circuit card assemblies and program inspection of circuit card assemblies using an automated optical inspection/automated x-ray inspection machine. This position will also interact with customers and manufacturing leadership for metrics reporting and issue resolution.
What You Will Get To Do:
  • Develop, update, and maintain programming of an automated optical inspection/automated x-ray inspection machine for the inspection of circuit card assemblies.
  • Perform data analysis of automated optical inspection/automated x-ray inspection machine results for metrics reporting and issue resolution.
  • Maintain organization of automated optical inspection/automated x-ray inspection programming databases and algorithm libraries.
  • Incorporate the build and inspection requirements of industry standards into automated optical inspection/automated x-ray inspection programs.
  • Work as a process owner for the manufacturing of circuit card assemblies.
  • Develop processes, procedures, and assembly instructions for the build of circuit card assemblies.
  • Perform continuous improvement activities focused on cost/schedule savings during manufacturing.
  • Work with customers to provide manufacturing feedback, metrics and data reporting, and issue resolution.
  • Perform root cause and corrective action plans using techniques such as 5 whys, fishbone diagrams, etc.
  • Work directly with operators and other manufacturing engineers on the shop floor in a production environment.
  • Work with various electronics manufacturing equipment and processes to maintain production flow.
  • Provide technical project leadership for continuous improvement and root cause/corrective action projects.

This position may be filled at the Manufacturing Engineer (level 2) or Principal Manufacturing Engineer (level 3) level depending on candidate experience.
The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:
  • Ability to work in a production environment.
  • Good technical writing skills.

Basic Qualifications for the Manufacturing Engineer (Level 2):
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related STEM field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience, a Master's Degree with 0 years of relevant work experience, or a PhD with 0 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience in a production manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to obtain/maintain DOD Secret security clearance.
  • US Citizenship required.

Basic Qualifications for the Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Level 3):
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related STEM field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, Master's Degree with 3 of more years of relevant work experience, or a PhD with a minimum of 1 year(s) of relevant work experience.
  • Experience in a production manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to obtain/maintain DOD Secret security clearance.
  • US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications for Both Levels:
  • Experience with the design or build of circuit card assemblies.
  • Experience using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools.
  • Experience with automated optical inspection or other machine vision systems.
  • Experience with data structures and network architecture.
  • Experience with industry standards for the build and inspection of electronic assemblies including J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610.
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment for circuit card assemblies.
  • Experience with the processes and equipment used to build circuit card assemblies.
  • Experience using Siemens Teamcenter as a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tool.
  • Experience using SAP as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool.
  • Experience working hands-on with electronic parts and assemblies in a production environment.
  • Experience working with engineering drawings and parts lists using a Configuration Management (CM) system.
  • Experience using Lean Six Sigma techniques for continuous improvement activities.
  • Data analysis experience.
  • Active Secret clearance.

What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
#MPR
Primary Level Salary Range: $72,100.00 - $108,100.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939