Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprentice

A mechanical apprentice will be trained in all production departments of the Company and will learn close tolerance manufacturing techniques using precision measuring equipment and special to type fixtures, as well as producing power and control wiring looms

Selective soldering is used throughout the electronics industry for the joining of large-scale components to printed circuit boards (PCBs). This is a key technology in industries such as aerospace, automotive, telecommunications and medical. Pillarhouse International Ltd is a leading designer and manufacturer of selective soldering machines, with installations in more than fifty countries worldwide.

These machines feature 3-axis precision mechanical movement driven by electronic motors, utilising proximity sensors and pneumatic actuators to determine position and movement respectively.

This is all controlled through in-house designed multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs) and PC based machine specific software/firmware – effectively CNC soldering machines. The mechanics of the machines must pair with the electrical control systems to achieve the speed and precision for selective soldering. Beyond the apprenticeship (mechanical), opportunities exist for progression to Process Engineering, Support Services, Design department and Workshop supervision.

Beyond the apprenticeship (electrical), there are opportunities to progress into the test department, PCB and wiring circuit design, or software and firmware development.

The range of work includes assembling precision sub-units, such as solder pumps, solder baths, and Z-lift lead screw assemblies, right through to final machine wiring, assembly and setting, circuit checking, power-up, fault finding and functional testing of machines before dispatch to customers.

An electronics apprentice will be trained in the use of standard test equipment from basic multi-meters, through signal generators to circuit analysers and PC-controlled programable automatic test rigs.

During development and production testing it may be necessary to modify or repair PCB assemblies; apprentices will be taught hand soldering techniques so good hand/eye coordination is essential.

• Problem solving and analysis
• Communication

• Maths GCSE or equivalent, grade 4 (Essential)
• English GCSE or equivalent, grade 4 (Essential)