Job Posting Title: Jr. Applications Engineer
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:
Sierra Circuits is seeking a hands-on Jr. Application Engineer to own and optimize the digital ecosystem connecting our PCB engineering, manufacturing, and business operations. In this role, you will be the core technical bridge between specialized manufacturing software (such as InPlan and ProCIM), enterprise CRM systems, and database infrastructures.
You will design, build, and maintain robust API integrations, automate reporting workflows, resolve cross-system data bottlenecks, and translate complex technical requirements into clear business solutions for non-technical leadership and operations teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Core Application Support: Write and maintain clean, efficient Java and Visual Basic code for internal integration services, custom tools, and middleware logic.
- Database Management: Write, optimize, and debug queries in SQL Server.
- Spreadsheet & Report Automation: Develop advanced Excel models using VBA, complex formulas, and dynamic pivot tables to automate operational reporting and facilitate rapid data analysis.
- Vendor Escalation & Support: Serve as the primary technical contact when communicating with software/hardware vendors to resolve system bugs, negotiate feature updates, and manage integration patches.
- Business-to-Technical Translation: Partner directly with operations, sales, and management to understand business pain points and translate them into practical technical scope documents.
- Problem Solving & User Support: Rapidly diagnose root causes for system failures, provide end-user training on new tools, and continuously optimize user workflows.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience).
- Experience: 3+ years in an Application Engineer, Systems Integration, or Software Support role—preferably within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
Technical Skillset
- Programming Languages: Hands-on development experience in Java (or a similar object-oriented language like C#) for backend logic and services.
- Databases: Strong proficiency in SQL Server (T-SQL) and PostgreSQL (PL/pgSQL).
- Data Analysis Tools: Advanced Excel mastery, including custom VBA macros, nested formulas (XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH), and pivot tables.
Domain & Platform Expertise (Preferred)
- Direct experience or familiarity with PCB manufacturing/MES systems such as ProCIM, InPlan (Frontline PCB / KLA), or enterprise CRM tools.
Key Competencies
- Clear Communication: Ability to articulate complex technical concepts in plain, high-impact language to non-technical stakeholders (sales, production management, executives).
- Vendor Management: Professionalism and confidence when escalating technical issues and driving vendor accountability.
- Analytical Problem-Solving: A systematic approach to debugging multi-system workflows where data discrepancies arise across multiple platforms.
SALARY: $50 to $75 per hour
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:
- The manufacturing facility is exposed to electronics assembly equipment and materials.
- May require working in a controlled environment with specific temperature and humidity requirements.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to perform the work.
- Production floor- Machine shop 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
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience
- 3+ years of experience in an Application Engineer, Systems Integration, or Software Support role
- Hands-on development experience with Java or a similar object-oriented language such as C#
- Strong proficiency with SQL Server and T-SQL
- Strong proficiency with PostgreSQL and PL/pgSQL
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including VBA macros, nested formulas, XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and pivot tables
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
- Vendor management and technical issue escalation skills
- Analytical problem-solving and multi-system debugging skills
- Must be a US personnel
- Experience with PCB manufacturing or MES systems such as ProCIM or InPlan
- Experience with enterprise CRM tools
What We Do
Sierra Circuits has been faithfully serving PCB designers and engineers since 1986, and has worked with over 20,000 customers since then. We specialize in PCB manufacturing and assembly and High-Density Interconnect technology. From PCB layout and design to assembly and manufacturing, Sierra Circuits handles all aspects of PCB production. We provide our customers with unprecedented quality, reliability, and a single point of support. No more miscommunication between multiple vendors. No more delays. Sierra Circuits is exactly what you’ve been looking for. We are ITAR, AS9100D, ISO-9001, ISO 13485, and MIL-55110/31032 certified. We are a family-run, minority and women-owned business.
