Jobs and Careers
VA

Manufacturing Associate - Inspector I (Swing)

Vanguard EMS
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 12 May 2026

About the role

Vanguard EMS, Inc. is currently seeking qualified and experienced electronics assembly and manufacturing personnel.

Vanguard EMS is the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) supplier of choice for leading-edge companies in the medical, aerospace, defense, industrial and communication segments in the Western U.S.

We are in a service business. Even with Vanguard's state of the art technology, vast manufacturing capability, and leading-edge information tools, we wake up every day thinking about how best to serve our customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we live.

Vanguard EMS values employees creating an amazing culture, be part of the team that makes a difference! Employees enjoy a highly competitive benefits package including:

  • Up to 120 hours earned paid time off in the first year of employment
  • Increased paid time off with years of service milestones
  • Paid holidays
  • Profit sharing and more

SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Associate collaborates directly with Team Coordinator and department supervisor to ensure surface mount and through hold solder meets or exceeds IPC standards. This position is key to company quality standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ability to inspect boards produced from hand or machine assembly processes.
  • Ensure that products meet all customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Perform WIP transactions in Vanguard’s software system to assure proper traceability.
  • Communicate quality issues to the appropriate team, Manager and Engineer as needed.
  • Stop work flow as needed to stop the repeated manufacture of defective products.
  • Motivate team and create a positive team working environment.
  • Maintain a clean and highly organized area.
  • Ensure benches, tools and equipment are maintained and in good working condition
  • Drive continuous improvement by looking for opportunities for improvement and working projects, small and large, to successful completion resulting in improved performance and profits.
  • Knowledge of common Manufacturing processes and/or equipment operation.
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision.
  • Treat everyone at Vanguard, its vendors and customers with dignity, respect and professionalism at all times.

OTHER DUTIES

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

Education and/or Experience

  • High School Diploma, GED or Equivalent
  • Ability to obtain J-STD and IPC certification within 90 days.

Requirements

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Computer Skills

Basic level of proficiency in computer systems

Language Skills

English (reading, writing, and verbal)

Mathematical Skills

General Math Skills and ability

Other Skills

  • Displays a high-level critical thinking and analysis.
  • Ability to actively follow detailed directions written and verbal.
  • Demonstrated highly motivated strong leadership and teambuilding skills with self-motivation, problem solving abilities, team spirit and a “hands on” mentality.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
  • Ability to use a microscope for extended time.
  • Effectively manipulate extremely small and/or fragile components and tools.
  • Ability to use visual aids, complicated drawings to verify quality products.
  • Communicate in person, over the phone, email, internet or in writing in a positive and professional manner at all times
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and make productive use of time

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associates Degree in Electronic or Mechanical engineering
  • J-STD and IPC Certification
  • Experience of SMT, through-hole, wave and/or selective solder processes and/or equipment operations.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations or Professional Designations

  • N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee uses his/her hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk or hear. The employee uses production equipment. Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision and distance vision.

MANUFACTURNING WORK ENV

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

Vanguard EMS

View company profile →