Aculon, a leading specialty chemical company located in Sorrento Valley, San Diego, is seeking a full-time Coatings & Applications Engineer to join our laboratory and applications team. This is a hands-on engineering role focused on developing, optimizing, and supporting advanced coating technologies for electronics and industrial surfaces.

Position Summary

The Coatings & Applications Engineer will develop and optimize coating application processes for a wide variety of substrates, including PCBs, semiconductor components, stencils, heat exchangers, laptops, and other engineered surfaces. This role bridges R&D, manufacturing, and customer support, and requires strong practical skills in coating methods, equipment operation, and problem solving.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and optimize application methods for solution-based coatings using spray, dip, dispense, and jetting equipment
Apply and evaluate coatings on electronic assemblies, stencils, and industrial components
Provide technical and applications support to internal teams and customers, including training and occasional on-site visits
Support new application development, prototyping, and performance testing
Assist in the transfer of processes from R&D to manufacturing
Troubleshoot coating and process issues in development and production
Evaluate new materials, chemistries, and surface-treatment technologies to improve coating performance and durability
Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Sales, and external suppliers
Prepare technical documentation, process instructions, and equipment capability reports
Operate and maintain lab equipment including sprayers, dispensing systems, jetting systems, 3D printers, and Nordson equipment
Perform other related duties as needed in a fast-paced lab environment

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree a plus)
2+ years of experience in applications engineering, process engineering, or lab-based development
Experience with electronics coatings or surface treatments strongly preferred
Hands-on experience with coating equipment and lab instrumentation
Familiarity with spray, dispense, and jet application systems (Nordson or similar experience a plus)
Comfortable working in a lab environment with chemicals, mechanical systems, and process equipment and stand for extended periods of time
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, and CRM (Salesforce)
CAD (a plus)
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment around chemicals, testing equipment and production equipment.
Use of PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators, etc.) as required.
Ability to lift containers up to 25–40 lbs

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Vision insurance

Experience:

engineering: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Aculon, Inc

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Coatings & Applications Engineer