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Wave Soldering Machine Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Equipment Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

... SMT) equipment and Wave soldering machines and processes, including maintenance, repair ... Provide training to technician and operator on SMT machines. * Design and implement new tools to ...

Machine Operator

Ennis, TX ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

... a hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; inspecting ... Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data. * Install, align, and lock ...

Solder Technician, PTH & Selective

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with through-hole soldering on PCBs and operating selective solder machines, including programming and setup. The technician will be responsible for ...

Solder Technician, PTH & Selective

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with through-hole soldering on PCBs and operating selective solder machines, including programming and setup. The technician will be responsible for ...

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Wire Machine Operator

El Paso, TX ยท On-site

$22 - $29/hr

... assembly machines. Must have a combined knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of ... using soldering equipment and hand tools. Company Description Patsy Goodwin 6351 S Desert Blvd, ...

Process Tech II

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$47K - $76K/yr

High School Diploma or equivalent * 2+ years of direct experience in a manufacturing environment operating select solder or wave machine * Ability to follow process based on written instruction.

SMT Operator

Dallas, TX

$17.25 - $23/hr

... solder paste screen printers, pick and place machines, reflow ovens, automated optical inspection ... and operating SMT equipment such as screen printers, pick and place machines, reflow ovens, AOI ...

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Wave Soldering Machine Operator information

What is a wave solder operator job description?

A wave soldering machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining wave solder machines used in electronics manufacturing. They ensure proper soldering of printed circuit boards by monitoring machine parameters, inspecting solder joints, and adhering to safety and quality standards. This role often requires technical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of soldering processes and equipment.

What are wave soldering machine operators?

Wave soldering machine operators are skilled technicians who set up, operate, and maintain wave soldering machines used in the assembly of printed circuit boards (PCBs). These machines apply molten solder to electronic components and connections, ensuring that all parts are securely attached to the board. Operators monitor the soldering process, adjust machine settings for optimal performance, and inspect finished products for quality. They also perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot issues to keep production running smoothly.

What is the difference between Wave Soldering Machine Operator vs Soldering Technician?

AspectWave Soldering Machine OperatorSoldering Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or electronics assembly facilitiesElectronics manufacturing, repair shops, or assembly lines
Job FocusOperating and maintaining wave soldering machinesPerforming soldering tasks, repairs, and quality checks

Wave Soldering Machine Operators primarily focus on operating and maintaining wave soldering equipment in manufacturing settings, while Soldering Technicians perform manual soldering, repairs, and quality inspections. Both roles require technical skills and work in electronics or manufacturing environments, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

Is wave soldering still used?

Wave soldering is still used in electronics manufacturing for through-hole component assembly and some surface-mount applications. As a Wave Soldering Machine Operator, understanding the process and safety protocols remains important, although many manufacturers are shifting toward reflow soldering for surface-mount components. The technique continues to be relevant in specific production contexts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wave Soldering Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wave Soldering Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of electronics manufacturing, soldering processes, and quality control, often gained through vocational training or relevant experience. Familiarity with wave soldering machines, inspection tools, and adherence to IPC standards or certifications is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure the efficient production of reliable electronic assemblies while minimizing defects and maintaining safety standards.

Who is a machine operator's salary?

The average salary for a wave soldering machine operator typically ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and familiarity with soldering equipment may earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing environments with shift work or overtime opportunities.

What are some common challenges faced by Wave Soldering Machine Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Wave Soldering Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent solder quality, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring proper setup for different PCB assemblies. Addressing these issues typically involves regular machine maintenance, careful monitoring of solder temperatures and conveyor speeds, and following strict quality control protocols. Collaborating closely with quality assurance teams and line supervisors can also help operators quickly resolve process issues and minimize production downtime.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs typically include roles such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operators and specialized manufacturing machine operators, which often require advanced skills and certifications. These positions can offer higher wages due to the technical expertise and precision required, especially in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics manufacturing.
What cities in Texas are hiring for Wave Soldering Machine Operator jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Wave Soldering Machine Operator job openings:

Manufacturing Engineer - Soldering & Wave (THT Assembly)

Variosystems Inc

Southlake, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer โ€“ Soldering & Wave (THT Assembly)

About Variosystems

Variosystems is a global electronics manufacturing solutions provider dedicated to delivering high-quality, customer-centric products across a wide range of industries including medical, industrial, aerospace, and communications. With locations across North America, Europe, and Asia, we partner closely with our customers to bring innovative electronics solutions to life. Our North America headquarters in Southlake, Texas serves a critical role in supporting regional customers and coordinating with global operations.

Position Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining soldering processes in electronic assembly, with a focus on through-hole technology (THT), wave soldering, and manual soldering operations. This role ensures high-quality, cost-effective, and reliable production while supporting continuous improvement initiatives and compliance with industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

Process Engineering

  • Develop, implement, and maintain wave soldering processes, including fluxing, preheat, and solder pot parameters
  • Establish and optimize manual and selective soldering processes
  • Assist creation of process documentation (work instructions, control plans, PFMEA)
  • Define and control critical process parameters (temperature profiles, conveyor speed, dwell time, flux density)
  • Lead process validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ)

Quality & Reliability

  • Ensure compliance with IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and internal quality standards
  • Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions (8D, PFMEA updates) for solder defects such as:
    • Bridges
    • Voids
    • Insufficient fill
    • Cold solder joints
  • Monitor yield, scrap, and rework metrics; implement improvements
  • Support customer audits and internal quality audits

Equipment & Tooling

  • Specify and qualify wave solder machines and related equipment
  • Support preventive maintenance programs for soldering equipment
  • Select and validate fixtures, pallets, carriers, and masking tools
  • Work with suppliers on solder alloys (lead-free, SnPb, HMP) and flux chemistries

Continuous Improvement

  • Lead process improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen)
  • Reduce defects, improve first-pass yield, and lower operational costs
  • Optimize thermal profiles and minimize solder consumption
  • Implement automation or semi-automation where applicable

New Product Introduction (NPI)

  • Define soldering strategies for new products
  • Conduct trial builds and process validation

Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure compliance with RoHS, REACH, and environmental regulations
  • Maintain safe handling of solder materials, fluxes, and chemicals
  • Enforce ESD and safety protocols in production areas

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Manufacturing Engineering or Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience

  • 3โ€“7+ years in electronics manufacturing engineering
  • Strong experience with:
    • Wave soldering (critical)
    • Through-hole (THT) processes
    • Manual / selective soldering
  • Experience in high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing preferred

Technical Skills

  • Deep knowledge of:
    • IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)
    • Solder alloys: lead-free, SnPb, HMP
    • Flux types and thermal profiling
  • Ability to use:
    • Statistical tools (SPC, DOE, Minitab)
    • Failure analysis tools (microscopy, X-ray, cross-sectioning)
  • Familiarity with MES/ERP systems and process documentation tools

Soft Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication across production, quality, and engineering teams
  • Ability to lead cross-functional improvement efforts
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and compliance

Preferred Qualifications

  • IPC certification (CIT or CIS)
  • Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher)
  • Experience with selective soldering and conformal coating processes
  • Familiarity with automated inspection (AOI, AXI)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • First-pass yield (FPY) improvement
  • Reduction in solder defects and rework
  • Process capability (Cp/Cpk)
  • Equipment uptime and process stability
  • Successful NPI launches