PLATING OPERATOR - 2nd Shift (13884)

About the Role

The Plating department runs an automated line where parts are dipped into various chemical and acid baths for rust and corrosion protection. The Plating Operator works in a fast‑paced, team‑based environment, loading parts onto pegs and racks, off‑loading them after processing, and performing periodic quality‑cycle checks. Operators do not handle the chemicals directly, but they are exposed to chemical smells and fumes. The role requires teamwork, the ability to work quickly in hot temperatures, a willingness to learn, and openness to coaching from the Team Leader and Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Feed or remove material from machines; set up and operate numerical control machines to assemble components to specifications.
• Remove material from boxes and place it on conveyors or fixtures; fill hoppers with material as required.
• Observe and listen to machine operation to detect malfunctions such as worn or damaged cutting tools.
• Measure and inspect parts for conformance to specifications.
• Adjust machines and clear jams according to procedure when automatic programming is faulty or machine malfunctions occur.
• Notify Team Leader or Supervisor of discrepancies.
• Review setup sheets and specifications to determine setup procedure, machining sequence, and dimensions of finished components.
• Attach fixtures to machine beds and position and secure workpieces according to setup instructions.
• Assemble cutting tools in toolholders, position toolholders in machine spindles, or insert cutting tools in specified machine magazines.
• Manipulate controls and enter commands to index cutting tools to specified set points and start machines.
• Change cutting tools and relocate workpieces during machining as specified in setup instructions.
• Complete line planned maintenance (PM) tasks as assigned.
• Confirm that all poka‑yoke devices are operational.
• Maintain a safe work area and work in a safe manner.
• Submit suggestions for improvements.
• Satisfy SA’s Quality goals and objectives in completion of activities, referencing the SA Quality Manual and Quality Policy.
• Perform assigned role in the Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with W010902.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures.
• Effective presentation skills for one‑on‑one and small‑group situations.
• Mathematical ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, compute rates, ratios, percentages, and interpret bar graphs and Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts.
• Reasoning ability to apply common sense to written, oral, or diagram instructions and to solve problems involving several concrete variables.

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to stand eight (8) or more hours a day, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Occasionally the employee must climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lb and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lb. Vision requirements include 20/40 near and far vision (with correction if needed), color discrimination (red/green, blue/violet, silver/gold), accurate depth perception, and peripheral vision of at least 160 degrees.

Work Environment

The employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and moderate noise levels. The work area includes exposure to chemical smells and fumes from the plating baths.