Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electroplater

🎯 Role Definition

As a vital member of our production team, the Electroplater is a hands-on specialist responsible for applying metallic coatings to a wide range of components through electrochemical processes. You will be the expert ensuring that our products meet stringent cosmetic, corrosion resistance, and dimensional specifications. This role requires a unique blend of chemical knowledge, mechanical aptitude, and meticulous attention to detail to produce high-quality finishes that are critical to the performance and longevity of our final products.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Manufacturing Associate
Chemical Handler
Machine Operator
Plating Apprentice

Advancement To:

Lead Plater / Plating Team Lead
Plating Supervisor
Process Engineer (Plating)
Quality Manager

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector
Chemical Technician
Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and control a variety of electroplating lines, including rack and barrel plating systems, to apply specified metallic coatings such as nickel, chrome, zinc, tin, and precious metals.
Meticulously prepare parts for plating by executing multi-step cleaning, activating, and rinsing processes to ensure superior adhesion and finish quality.
Read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, work orders, and technical specifications to determine plating requirements, including coating type, thickness, and masking locations.
Apply and remove masking materials such as tapes, lacquers, and plugs with precision to protect designated areas of parts from the plating process.
Safely handle, mix, and add chemicals to plating baths, meticulously monitoring and adjusting solution chemistry, temperature, and pH levels to maintain process stability.
Perform regular chemical analysis of plating solutions using techniques like titration and Hull cell testing to ensure they remain within established operational parameters.
Conduct rigorous in-process and final quality inspections using advanced metrology instruments, including micrometers, calipers, profilometers, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment to verify plating thickness and compliance.
Troubleshoot and resolve plating defects and process deviations, such as poor adhesion, pitting, or inconsistent thickness, by analyzing root causes and implementing corrective actions.
Set up, adjust, and monitor rectifiers to control electrical current density and ensure uniform plating distribution across all parts.
Rack and un-rack parts of various sizes and geometries onto plating fixtures, ensuring proper electrical contact and orientation for optimal coating results.
Maintain detailed and accurate production and quality records, including processing logs, chemical addition sheets, and inspection reports, in compliance with company and industry standards (e.g., ISO, NADCAP).
Perform routine preventative maintenance on plating tanks, rectifiers, pumps, filters, and associated equipment to minimize downtime and ensure operational readiness.
Adhere strictly to all environmental, health, and safety (EHS) protocols, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safe handling of hazardous materials.
Collaborate with process engineers and quality teams to support new product introductions (NPI) and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and quality.
Operate overhead cranes, hoists, and forklifts to safely transport parts and materials throughout the plating department.
Perform visual inspections for cosmetic attributes, identifying and documenting any surface imperfections, discoloration, or other quality concerns.
Manage the inventory of plating chemicals and supplies, communicating needs to the purchasing department to prevent production delays.
Execute pre-plate and post-plate baking processes in calibrated ovens to control hydrogen embrittlement in high-strength materials.
Assist in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment system, ensuring compliance with all local and federal environmental regulations for industrial discharge.
Train and mentor junior platers and apprentices, sharing knowledge of best practices, safety procedures, and quality standards.
Calibrate and maintain testing and monitoring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability of process control data.
Systematically organize and maintain the cleanliness of the work area, tools, and equipment to support a 5S or similar lean manufacturing environment.

Secondary Functions

Support the hazardous waste management program by properly labeling, segregating, and preparing waste materials for disposal in accordance with EPA and DOT regulations.
Contribute to root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) investigations related to plating non-conformances.
Participate in departmental safety meetings and contribute to the ongoing development of a world-class safety culture.
Assist maintenance technicians with more complex equipment repairs and installations as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and process specifications.
Expertise in using precision measurement tools (Micrometers, Calipers, XRF Analyzers).
Strong knowledge of electroplating chemistries (e.g., nickel, copper, chrome, zinc, anodizing).
Experience with chemical analysis techniques such as titration and Hull cell testing.
Familiarity with NADCAP, AS9100, or ISO 9001 quality standards.
Certification or experience in hazardous waste handling (HAZWOPER) and forklift operation.
Foundational math skills for calculating surface areas, chemical additions, and current densities.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot process issues.
Clear communication skills for collaborating effectively with team members, supervisors, and engineers.
A safety-first mindset and unwavering adherence to EHS protocols.
High degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED is required.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or a certificate from a vocational/technical program in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Chemistry
Materials Science
Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience in an industrial electroplating environment.

Preferred:

Prior experience in a highly regulated industry such as aerospace, defense, or medical device manufacturing.
Demonstrable experience working within a NADCAP or AS9100 certified facility.