Skip to content

Technicians

SMT Technician

Northwood Space logoNorthwood Space~$105k–$202k/yrtypicalTorrance, CAFullTimePosted 3d ago
  • US citizenship
  • ITAR / US person
  • IPC J-STD-001
  • IPC-A-610

How this pay compares

This posting does not state its pay. Open technician jobs in California post a median of $73.9k a year, the middle half $61.6k–$83.2k, across 24 jobs that state their pay.

Technicians in California: pay by town and employer

About the job

## About Northwood Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array and parabolic ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response.

With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions.

If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it. ## Role We are seeking a Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) Technician to own the setup, programming, and performance of our surface mount line across production and new product introduction (NPI) builds.

This role is critical to delivering high-reliability electronics on schedule and at scale, with direct impact on our ability to deploy next-generation space communication systems.

You will keep print, placement, reflow, and inspection equipment running at peak performance, catch defects before they move downstream, and work closely with Engineering to turn new designs into repeatable, high-yield builds. ## Responsibilities - Set up and operate SMT equipment, including screen printers, pick-and-place, reflow ovens, SPI, AOI, and X-ray, including feeder setup, component verification, and changeovers per work instructions - Create, debug, and optimize programs for pick-and-place, screen printer, SPI, AOI, and X-ray equipment - Configure and tune process parameters such as nozzles, conveyor speeds, print settings, and reflow profiles - Perform preventive maintenance, cleaning, calibration, and repairs, and partner with Engineering to diagnose and resolve equipment issues - Inspect solder quality using microscopes, AOI, and X-ray to IPC-A-610 standards, documenting defects and root causes - Support production and NPI builds, assist technicians and Engineering with technical issues, and drive continuous improvement of SOPs and processes Basic Qualifications - High school diploma or equivalent - 5+ years of experience in SMT electronics manufacturing - Hands-on experience operating and setting up SMT equipment (screen printer, pick-and-place, reflow, and inspection) - Experience programming or editing programs on SMT placement or inspection equipment - Experience building to travelers, BOMs, work instructions, and assembly drawings ## Preferred Qualifications - Familiar with IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001 - Experience with Fuji placement, Heller reflow, and Nordson CyberOptics SPI/AOI equipment - Experience in high-reliability, aerospace, or IPC Class 3 electronics manufacturing - Experience with fine-pitch and BGA components, including X-ray inspection of hidden solder joints Additional Requirements - This role requires being on-site 5 days per week - Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed - Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. unassisted - Repetitive assembly operations, grasping, standing, lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position ## Additional Information To conform to U.S.

Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know at accommodations@northwoodspace.io

From Northwood Space's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.

Selected agencies hiring now

These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.

Sponsored

Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.

Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.

New space manufacturing and technician jobs in California, by email

One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.

About Northwood Space

Phased-array ground stations that take space missions further, faster.

Pay on its listings: 90.8% of its open jobs state an hourly rate

How it pays: Paid as an employee on Northwood Space's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).

More open jobs at Northwood Space

More space manufacturing and technician jobs

A certified technician, machinist or welder?

One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.

Create my profile

Northwood Space openings, sent to you weekly

Each week we send the newest postings from Northwood Space's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.