Full-Time

Manufacturing Associate

Selective Solder Inspection

Vanguard EMS

Vanguard EMS

51-200 employees

Critical-sector electronics manufacturing and testing

No salary listed

Beaverton, OR, USA

In Person

Associate's

Category
Manufacturing Quality & Test (1)

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Requirements
  • A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
  • Ability to obtain J-STD and IPC certification within 90 days is required.
  • Ability to use a microscope and manipulate small or fragile components for extended periods is required.
  • Ability to use visual aids and complicated drawings to verify product quality is required.
  • Knowledge of common manufacturing processes and equipment operation is required.
  • Ability to perform critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving with strong attention to detail is required.
  • Ability to communicate professionally in person, by phone, email, internet, and in writing is required.
Responsibilities
  • Inspect boards produced from hand or machine assembly processes and ensure that customer and regulatory requirements are met.
  • Perform work-in-process transactions in Vanguard’s software system to ensure proper traceability.
  • Communicate quality issues to the appropriate team, manager, and engineer as needed.
  • Stop workflow as needed to prevent the repeated manufacture of defective products.
  • Motivate the team and create a positive team working environment.
  • Ensure benches, tools, and equipment are maintained in good working condition.
  • Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for improvement and working on projects.
  • Maintain a clean and highly organized work area and perform other assigned duties.
  • Use production equipment while performing the essential functions of the position.
Desired Qualifications
  • An associate degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
  • J-STD and IPC certification is preferred.
  • Experience with surface-mount technology, through-hole, wave, and/or selective solder processes or equipment operation is preferred.

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 Jobs

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