Plating Process Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end process optimization for Nickel and Zinc plating lines, ensuring repeatability, efficiency, and consistent quality across locations
• Conduct process audits, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions to standardize operations
• Establish and enforce process controls, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and parameter management
• Diagnose and resolve process variation, defects, and quality issues using root cause analysis (RCA) and data-driven methods
• Drive implementation of statistical process control (SPC) and performance monitoring systems
• Partner with production, quality, and maintenance teams to ensure process stability and uptime
• Develop and maintain documentation including process flow diagrams, control plans, and work instructions
• Evaluate and optimize bath chemistry, chemical usage, and plating line performance
• Identify and establish maintenance protocols and oversee execution, including effectiveness tracking
• Identify equipment and process improvement opportunities and support multi-year investment planning
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, cost reduction, and throughput
• Provide technical guidance and training across sites and teams
• Support customer audits, compliance requirements, and plating-related standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field
• 5–10+ years of hands-on plating process engineering experience, including: Nickel plating (electroless and/or electrolytic) Zinc plating
• Demonstrated expertise in process control, SPC, and troubleshooting plating operations
• Strong understanding of: Bath chemistry management Surface preparation and pretreatment Coating thickness, adhesion, and corrosion performance
• Proven ability to stabilize underperforming processes and implement sustainable improvements
• Strong English language skills required
• Ability to travel up to 50% within the U.S. and Mexico
• Valid passport and/or required travel documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language proficiency (strongly preferred for U.S.-based candidates)
• Experience in high-volume or automotive manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with ISO/IATF quality systems
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt)
• Experience with process automation or digital monitoring systems