Electronics Assembler Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Electronics assemblers in Tucson solder circuit boards, build wire harnesses and put together avionics and defense hardware, mostly at aerospace plants near the airport and downtown. Many employers train new hires on soldering. Current openings are below, followed by who hires, what it pays and how to get started.
Current Electronics Assembler Openings in Tucson, AZ
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Electronics Assembler Work in Tucson
Tucson's electronics assembly work is small-batch and aerospace-heavy. Raytheon's plant on East Hermans Road, south of Tucson International Airport, hires union manufacturing technicians who build microelectronic circuit assemblies and electromechanical units and pass a solder assessment after hire. Universal Avionics builds flight deck electronics to the IPC-A-610 workmanship standard, with inspection for AS9100 and FAA compliance, and Celestica runs an FAA repair station and ITAR facility downtown where operators hand solder, test and rework aircraft electronics.
Outside aerospace, Rain Bird builds electro-mechanical assemblies in Tucson, and staffing agencies place entry-level assemblers on temp-to-perm jobs. Defense work comes with U.S. citizenship rules and, at Raytheon, a Secret clearance, so check each posting before you apply.
Top Tucson Employers for Electronics Assemblers
These Tucson employers hire for electronics assembly work:
- Raytheon - manufacturing technicians at the East Hermans Road plant build microelectronic circuit assemblies and electromechanical assemblies; union-represented, U.S. citizenship and a Secret clearance required.
- Universal Avionics - electronic assemblers build circuit boards, wiring harnesses and subassemblies for flight deck systems to IPC-A-610.
- Celestica - its downtown aerospace operation hires production operators and testers for hand soldering, assembly and rework of aircraft electronics.
- Rain Bird - electro-mechanical assemblers build electrical sub-assemblies and enclosures from CAD drawings and load PLC software.
- Kelly Services - a staffing agency that places temp-to-perm electronics assemblers in Tucson for wire prep, soldering and electrical testing.
Electronics Assembler Salaries in Tucson
- Entry level (trainee or temp-to-perm assembler): roughly $16 to $20 an hour.
- Experienced (1 to 3 years, IPC-trained): roughly $20 to $26 an hour.
- Senior (rework, test or lead assembler): roughly $26 to $33 an hour.
These are estimates that vary by employer and experience. Kelly Services has advertised $15 to $18 an hour for an entry-level Tucson assembler job with training, and Raytheon's posted starting rate for manufacturing technicians was $19.49 an hour. Fine soldering, rework skill, IPC certification and a clearance move pay up, and test and lead roles sit at the top.
How to Become an Electronics Assembler in Tucson
Arizona has no license for electronics assemblers. Most employers ask for a high school diploma or GED, and Universal Avionics lists IPC certification or technical training as preferred, not required. Raytheon requires a year of manufacturing experience and tests solder skills after hire. For classroom training, Pima Community College's Automated Industrial Technology Level I Certificate, one semester full time at the Downtown Campus, covers electronic systems, motor controls and troubleshooting.
What the Job Involves
You work at an ESD-safe bench, often under magnification, building assemblies from schematics and work instructions. You solder, crimp and tin wires, apply conformal coating and adhesives, install hardware, and test and inspect your own work before it moves on. Every step is recorded, because aerospace customers trace each unit.
Skills Employers Look For
- Hand soldering, including small surface-mount parts
- Knowledge of the IPC-A-610 workmanship standard
- Wire harness build, crimping and connector work
- Reading schematics, drawings and work instructions
- ESD control and clean work habits
- Good close-up and color vision
- Accurate production records
Career Path and Advancement
Assemblers in Tucson move up graded levels, such as Universal Avionics' Electronic Assembler 1 and 2, then into rework, test or troubleshooting jobs like Celestica's electronic tester role. From there the path leads to quality inspection, process technician or defense electronics technician work, and an engineering degree later on.
Related Careers in Tucson
These Tucson guides cover the next steps from the assembly bench:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need IPC certification to work as an electronics assembler in Tucson?
Not usually. Universal Avionics lists IPC certification as preferred, not required, and builds to the IPC-A-610 standard. Holding it can help you start at a higher level.
Do you need a security clearance for electronics assembly in Tucson?
For Raytheon, yes: its manufacturing technician jobs require U.S. citizenship and the ability to get a Secret clearance before starting. Celestica's Tucson site is an ITAR facility with an export-control check, and other employers vary.
Can you get hired without soldering experience?
Yes, at some employers. Kelly Services has posted Tucson assembler jobs with training provided, and Raytheon counts basic soldering as one of several qualifying experience areas rather than a must.
How much do electronics assemblers make in Tucson?
Estimates run from about $16 to $20 an hour at entry level to $26 to $33 for senior rework, test or lead roles. Raytheon's posted starting rate was $19.49 an hour.
What shifts do Tucson electronics assemblers work?
It depends on the plant. Raytheon asks technicians to work any shift, including overnight, while Universal Avionics has offered a 9/80 schedule.
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