Full-Time

Manufacturing Associate 1

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 & Production Operations (1)

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Requirements
  • A High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
  • Ability to use a microscope and manipulate small or fragile components for extended periods.
  • Ability to use visual aids and complicated drawings to verify product quality.
  • Knowledge of common manufacturing processes and/or equipment operation.
  • Ability to communicate in person, over the phone, by email, via the internet, and in writing in a positive, professional manner.
  • Ability to perform the physical functions of the job, including using hands and fingers, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, talking, hearing, and operating production equipment.
  • Specific vision requirements include close vision and distance vision.
  • Ability to lift or hold up to 25 pounds.
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate directly with the Team Coordinator and department supervisor to ensure surface-mount and through-hole soldering meets or exceeds IPC standards.
  • Inspect boards produced from hand or machine assembly to ensure all regulatory requirements are met.
  • Perform work-in-process transactions in the company software system to ensure proper traceability.
  • Communicate quality issues to the appropriate team, manager, and engineer as needed.
  • Stop workflow as needed to prevent repeated manufacture of defective products.
  • Collaborate with the team to create a positive team working environment.
  • Ensure benches, tools, and equipment are maintained and 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.
Desired Qualifications
  • An Associate's degree in Electronic Engineering is preferred.
  • An Associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
  • J-STD certification is preferred.
  • 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