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Vanguard EMS

Critical-sector electronics manufacturing and testing

Manufacturing Associate - Selective Solder, Swing

Full-Time
No salary listed
Mid
Beaverton, OR, USA
In Person
Manufacturing & Production OperationsProduct Assembly

About the job

Requirements
  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Two years of soldering printed circuit board assemblies at an IPC Class I, II, or III level.
  • Ability to identify basic electronic components and handle printed circuit board assemblies.
  • Knowledge of common manufacturing processes and equipment operation.
  • Ability to manipulate small or fragile components and tools.
  • Ability to use visual aids and complicated drawings to verify product quality.
  • Willingness to work daily and weekly overtime as needed to support production.
  • Normal color vision.
  • Ability to meet the physical demands of handling objects, tools, or controls; reaching; stooping; kneeling; crouching; talking; and hearing.
Responsibilities
  • Solder electronic components, including resistors, capacitors, connectors, integrated circuits, switches, and crystals, using no-clean and organic flux and both lead and lead-free solder at IPC Class II and III levels.
  • Develop, document, and maintain setup and daily-operations documentation.
  • Perform machine setup, cleanup, and maintenance according to documented procedures.
  • Touch up soldering by removing bridges and removing or replacing surface-mount technology components as small as 0.0201 capacitors and resistors.
  • Ensure products meet customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Inspect and quality-check completed work while maintaining a clean, organized work area.
  • Communicate quality issues to the appropriate team and manager.
  • Assist with wave soldering and pre-wave activities when needed.
  • Participate in controlled process-improvement projects.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with surface-mount technology, through-hole, wave, and/or selective solder processes or equipment operations.

About the company

Vanguard EMS delivers electronics manufacturing services for products that must never fail. It provides high-sensitivity manufacturing and test capabilities to customers in Medical, Aerospace, Defense and Infrastructure, supported by strict processes and formal certifications. The core work involves assembling and testing electronics with a focus on quality, traceability, and compliance, guided by established procedures and continuous optimization to adapt quickly to changing needs. The company distinguishes itself by being in the top 10% of EMS providers for capabilities, emphasizing process discipline, rigorous quality control, and seamless program alignment so programs move quickly from planning to production. Its goal is to ensure reliable performance of critical electronics by delivering consistent, traceable manufacturing that reduces risk and accelerates time to market for mission-critical applications.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Beaverton, Oregon

Founded

1988

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Vanguard EMS says it is the Northwest's largest locally owned electronics manufacturer.
  • 2026 careers pages and active postings show continued hiring demand.
  • Medical and aerospace pages highlight four FDA manufacturer-of-record devices and DoD qualifications.

What critics are saying

  • TSMC sold 152 million Vanguard International Semiconductor shares in May 2026, signaling control risk.
  • Workforce stays relatively small at 250 employees, limiting capacity against larger EMS rivals.
  • Customer concentration in regulated medical and defense programs creates audit and recall exposure.

What makes Vanguard EMS unique

  • Beaverton-based, locally owned EMS with 77,000-square-foot Oregon facility.
  • Specializes in medical, aerospace, defense, and industrial high-reliability builds.
  • SMARTer Manufacturing delivers near real-time traceability across Class II and III devices.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Profit Sharing