Conformal Coating Lead

The Conformal Coating Lead is responsible for overseeing all conformal coating operations within a printed circuit assembly (PCA) manufacturing environment. This role combines hands-on technical execution with team leadership, process control, and cross-functional coordination to ensure coated assemblies meet customer, quality, and reliability requirements.

This position leads masking, spraying, curing, inspection, and rework activities while managing a team of conformal coating process technicians. The Conformal Coating Lead is accountable for throughput, quality, training, and continuous improvement of the conformal coating process.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Process Control

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  Lead daily conformal coating operations including masking, spraying, curing, inspection, and de-masking of circuit boards

  
  


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  Ensure proper application of conformal coating, verifying full coverage, correct thickness, and absence of bubbles, voids, leaks, or skips

  
  


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  Monitor and troubleshoot oven profiles, cure times, and temperature deviations to ensure coating integrity

  
  


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  Perform spot checks on masked assemblies and coated boards to ensure compliance with work instructions and quality standards

  
  


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  Adjust and maintain stencils, fixtures, spray equipment, and masking methods as needed

  
  

Team Leadership & Training

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  Supervise and manage a team of conformal coating process technicians

  
  


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  Set daily priorities, manage pacing, and ensure technicians meet production targets

  
  


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  Train new hires and existing staff on:

  
  
  
  
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    Masking techniques and tape pulls

    
    
  
  
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    Spray application methods

    
    
  
  
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    Visual inspection criteria and defect identification

    
    
  
  
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    Handling, ESD, and cleanliness requirements

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Provide coaching, feedback, and skill development to improve consistency and quality

  
  

Quality & Continuous Improvement

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  Identify, log, and track rejects, defects, and rework trends

  
  


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  Analyze defect data to identify recurring issues and drive corrective actions

  
  


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  Work closely with Quality and Engineering to resolve coating-related nonconformances

  
  


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  Support audits, customer requirements, and documentation related to conformal coating processes

  
  

Planning, Logistics & Coordination

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  Coordinate with Production Planning, Logistics, and Manufacturing teams to manage inbound and outbound PCA flow

  
  


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  Ensure coated assemblies are routed correctly:

  
  
  
  
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    Back to production

    
    
  
  
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    To inspection or test

    
    
  
  
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    To shipping for customer delivery

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Communicate capacity constraints, schedule risks, and process issues proactively

  
  

Required Qualifications

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  Electronics or manufacturing background with hands-on experience in PCA processing

  
  


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  Experience with conformal coating processes (manual or selective spray preferred)

  
  


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  Proven ability to lead and manage a team in a production environment

  
  


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  Strong understanding of:

  
  
  
  
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    Masking materials and techniques

    
    
  
  
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    Cure ovens and temperature control

    
    
  
  
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    Visual inspection standards for coated assemblies

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Ability to read and follow work instructions, travelers, and process documentation

  
  


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  Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

  
  

Preferred Qualifications

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  Experience in high-reliability manufacturing (Class 3, aerospace, defense, or medical)

  
  


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  Familiarity with IPC standards related to conformal coating (IPC-CC-830, IPC-A-610)

  
  


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  Experience identifying and resolving process trends using defect data

  
  


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  Prior experience working cross-functionally with Planning, Quality, and Engineering

  
  

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

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  Ability to stand for extended periods and work hands-on in a manufacturing environment

  
  


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  Ability to handle small components and perform detailed visual inspections

  
  


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  Use of PPE and compliance with ESD and safety requirements

  
  

What Success Looks Like in This Role

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  Consistent, high-quality conformal coating with minimal rework or escapes

  
  


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  A well-trained, efficient coating team that maintains pace with production demand

  
  


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  Clear visibility into defects and trends, with continuous process improvements

  
  


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  Strong coordination between coating, planning, and logistics to prevent bottlenecks