Backend Lead

ABOUT THE COMPANY: 

Sierra Circuits is a Silicon Valley-based leader in printed circuit board manufacturing and assembly, specializing in high-quality, quick-turn and complex prototypes. With over 35 years of experience, Sierra provides a seamless, end-to-end PCB solution—from design and fabrication to assembly and testing—all under one roof at its state-of-the-art facilities in Sunnyvale, California. Sierra Circuits is committed to supporting engineers and designers through extensive educational resources. The company offers free online tools such as the Stackup Designer, Impedance Calculator, Material Selector, and BOM and DFM Checkers, along with technical blogs, webinars, design guides, and its SierraConnect community forum. Sierra Circuit serves all industries including aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, and telecommunications, building PCBs to the highest industry standards, and keeping innovation at the forefront of everything we do.

SUMMARY OF JOB FUNCTION: 

The Backend Lead – PCBA Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the circuit board assembly line. This role ensures that production runs efficiently, quality standards are met, and all work is performed in compliance with safety, ESD, and IPC standards. The Production Lead acts as the key point of contact between operators, technicians, and supervisors, driving performance and resolving production issues in real time.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Coordinate workflow to meet production schedules and customer deadlines.
• Monitor workstations for compliance with ESD safety standards and IPC-A-610 class workmanship.
• Conduct in-process checks and first article inspections to ensure product quality.
• Train operators and assemblers on work instructions, equipment operation, and quality procedures.
• Work closely with engineering, QA, and supply chain to resolve quality or material issues.
• Track line performance metrics (yield, throughput, downtime, etc.) and report to management.
• Lead root cause investigations for production issues and assist with corrective actions.
• Maintain documentation for traceability and process control (e.g., travelers, route cards, inspection logs).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED.
• 3+ years of experience in PCBA or electronics manufacturing.
• At least 1 year of experience in a lead or supervisory position.
• Strong knowledge of SMT/through-hole assembly processes, equipment, and rework procedures.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 standards and ability to perform visual inspections to Class 2 or 3 criteria.
• Understanding of ESD handling and workplace safety practices.
• Ability to read technical documents: assembly drawings, BOMs, and work instructions.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills. Fluent in English

Preferred:

• Associate degree in Electronics, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field.
• Certification in IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001.
• Experience with MES systems and traceability tools (e.g., Aegis, Cogiscan).
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.

SALARY: $20 to $27 Hourly

MUST be a US Personnel

JOB TYPE:  Non-Exempt

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must frequently stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The ability to lift 20 lbs., open filing cabinets, and bend, stand, or climb on step ladders as necessary.

ENVIRONMENT: 

What We Offer

• Competitive Benefits Package – Medical (HMO & PPO), Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Basic Life & AD&D, and Voluntary Benefits 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan 
• Wellness Benefits – Gym/Fitness Membership Reimbursement 
• Paid Time Off – Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid Holidays