IPC Training Specialist

Job Summary

The Quality & Training Specialist serves as the primary IPC training resource for ClearPath Medical's production workforce. This role designs, delivers, and continuously improves training programs that certify operators to IPC J-STD-001 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards—ensuring every assembler can build to specification and every inspector can verify to standard. Approximately 90% of this role is dedicated to training program ownership and delivery; the remaining 10% supports quality coordination tasks such as documentation control, nonconformance tracking, and audit readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the in-house Subject Matter Expert (SME) and certified trainer for IPC J-STD-001 (Soldering) and IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Wire Harness Assembly) standards.
• Design, develop, and maintain all production training programs, including new-hire onboarding, process-specific skills training, cross-training, and refresher courses.
• Deliver Hands-On and classroom-style instruction for cable and wire harness assembly, soldering techniques, visual inspection, and quality expectations.
• Build and manage operator qualification and certification processes; define competency benchmarks and evaluate operator performance against IPC acceptance criteria.
• Create and maintain training materials including work instructions, job aids, qualification checklists, visual aids, and assessment tools.
• Identify skills gaps through observation, inspection data trends, and supervisor feedback; develop targeted training interventions to close gaps proactively.
• Maintain accurate training records and certification matrices for all production staff; ensure records are audit-ready and current at all times.
• Coordinate with supervisors to ensure on-the-job training (OJT) is delivered consistently and that trained behaviors are reinforced on the production floor.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments, re-qualification performance, and quality trend data; revise programs continuously based on results.
• Support IPC CIS/CIT certification efforts for key personnel; coordinate training schedules and track certification renewal timelines.

• Support in-process and final inspection of cable/wire harness assemblies per IPC/WHMA-A-620 as needed.
• Document nonconformances (NCRs/CARs), assist with root cause investigation, and track corrective actions through closure.
• Maintain inspection records, calibration logs, and quality metrics; contribute to the accuracy of the quality management system
• Assist with preparation and hosting of internal and customer audits; support corrective action responses as needed.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical or education-related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2 years focused on training delivery, operator certification, or technical instruction.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering Hands-On technical training for production or assembly personnel.
• Working knowledge of IPC J-STD-001 and/or IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards — either through prior certification or direct inspection experience.
• IPC J-STD-001 or IPC/WHMA-A-620 CIS (Certified IPC Specialist) or CIT (Certified IPC Trainer) certification required, or must be willing and able to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Experience in cable/wire harness assembly inspection is strongly preferred; we prioritize candidates who can perform the skills they teach.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, and quality specifications.
• Experience maintaining training records and qualification documentation in a regulated or quality-managed environment.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• IPC J-STD-001 and IPC/WHMA-A-620: inspection, acceptance criteria, and training delivery
• Cable and wire harness assembly construction and inspection techniques
• Development of work instructions, qualification checklists, and visual training aids
• Nonconformance documentation (NCRs, CARs) and quality record management
• Familiarity with ISO 13485 or other quality management system frameworks (preferred)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with LMS platforms a plus

Soft Skills

• Excellent coaching and instructional delivery ability — can simplify complex technical content for diverse learners
• Strong attention to detail with the discipline to build rigorous qualification standards
• Structured problem-solving approach; can identify root cause of skills gaps and design effective interventions
• Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable working across production, engineering, and quality teams
• Ownership mindset — treats training program effectiveness as a personal accountability

Decision-Making Authority

• Define operator training requirements and qualification standards for production roles.
• Certify or decertify production operators based on demonstrated competency against IPC standards.
• Approve training materials, qualification checklists, and work instructions within the scope of this role.
• Accept or reject product at inspection within the 10% quality coordination scope.
• Initiate, track, and close nonconformance reports (NCRs) and corrective action requests (CARs); escalate unresolved issues to the Quality Manager.

Contribution to Organizational Goals

• Workforce Capability: Ensures every production operator is trained, qualified, and performing to IPC standards — the foundation of product quality at scale.
• Quality & Compliance: Supports a quality management system that can pass customer, ISO 13485, and regulatory audits through well-documented training records and competency evidence.
• Customer Satisfaction: Reduces defects and rework by building a skilled, consistently trained production team.
• Scalability: Develops training infrastructure that supports onboarding of new hires and cross-training of existing staff as the company grows.

Compensation & Details

• Salary: $72,000 – $80,000 per year, based on experience
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Location: Tustin, CA

ClearPath Medical is an equal opportunity employer.