Plating Engineer

"Summary

The Plating Engineer will be responsible for the development, optimization, and maintenance of electroplating processes, ensuring high-quality surface finishes on a variety of metal components. This role requires a strong foundation in chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field, as well as hands‑on experience with electroplating techniques, process troubleshooting, and laboratory procedures.

• Design, develop, and improve electroplating processes for various metals (e.g., nickel, gold, silver, chrome, zinc, copper).
• Optimized electroless plating processes to improve coating uniformity, reduce chemical consumption, and enhance overall process efficiency and product quality.
• Monitor and maintain bath chemistry to ensure optimal plating conditions and consistent product quality.
• Conduct root cause analysis and resolve plating defects such as blistering, poor adhesion, thickness, roughness, or discoloration.
• Perform routine analytical testing (pH, conductivity, metal concentration, etc.) and adjust chemical compositions accordingly.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and plating process documentation.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations related to chemical handling and waste disposal.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality control, and production teams to support new product introductions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Specify and help maintain plating equipment, rectifiers, tanks, filters, and agitation systems.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, new technologies, and emerging surface treatment techniques.
• Uphold Positronic's standards of integrity, quality, and operational excellence.
• Identify hazards in the workplace and report them to management and/or the safety coordinator.
• Collaborate with the EHS department to meet local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, including OSHA, NFPA, DNR, EPA, and Amphenol sustainability practices.
• Work with the Quality department to ensure compliance with AS9100 certification standards.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, or related STEM field. 1 to 2 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Physical: Long periods of sitting with occasional standing and walking. May require bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting up to 20 lbs; rarely up to 50 lbs. Frequent computer use and repetitive motion.
• PPE: Safety glasses and gloves when handling chemicals.

Work is performed in a chemical lab environment with frequent exposure to fumes. Involves small parts handling under magnification. Proper PPE is required.

• Expertise in electroplating chemistry, process engineering, and quality systems. Working knowledge of AS9100 standards, SPC tools, and root cause analysis.
• Understanding of manufacturing scheduling and cost control. Knowledge of regulatory compliance in industrial chemical operations.
• Leadership and team development abilities. Strong organizational and time management skills. Skilled in data‑driven process evaluation and training implementation.
• Effective communicator across technical and non-technical teams. Strong reasoning skills and attention to process variability. Visual and oral communication clarity for training and coaching.
• Time‑sharing ability for overseeing multiple plating and lab operations.