Job Description

The Plating Cell Lead is to provide oversight of daily operations within the plating cell, ensure production goals, quality standards, and safety protocols are all met. This role also includes leading plating operators, monitoring plating processes, maintaining chemical baths, troubleshooting surface defects, enforcing compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations and coordinating with the engineering and quality team to optimize performance in the department and across the organization.

The Plating Cell Lead derives authority from and reports directly to the Operations Manager.

Education and Certifications

· Required: High School/GED diploma

· Strongly preferred: OSHA 30-hour or equivalent safety training.

· Preferred: First-aid and CPR Certification

· NADCAP special process auditor or equivalent experience.

· Preferred: Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification.

· Environmental compliance certifications (e.g., RCRA, HAZWOPER).

· Chemical Handling Certification.

Experience

· Minimum 5 years of experience in electroplating, hard chrome plating, or surface treatment.

· Strong knowledge of plating chemistry, equipment, and process control.

· Proven experience and understanding of Lockout Tagout, chemical handling, PPE Requirements, and safe operation of relevant tools associated with electroplating.

· Experience with ventilation/exhaust systems, air monitoring, and environmental compliance best practices.

· Understanding of chemical baths processes, metal deposition, and plating cycles.

· Must be able to read and follow plating specs, SOPs, blueprints, and thickness requirements.

· Proven experience with NADCAP, AS9100, and other aerospace quality systems.

· Demonstrated experience with successful EHS program and regulatory compliance guidelines.

· Excellent leadership and mentorship, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

· Must be able to sign and abide by Company’s employee manual and confidentiality agreement

· Excellent written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.

· Strong problem-solving abilities and strategic mindset.

· Familiarity and/or understanding of industry trends, technology, software, and best practices.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties and responsibilities of this position, the employee is occasionally required to walk, use foot/feet to operate machine, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, reach above shoulders and move from place to place. The incumbent will regularly stand, sit and talk and listen and will frequently use hands to finger, handle or touch. Specific vision requirements for this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

During the performance of his/her work duties, the incumbent will be required to occasionally lift up to 35 pounds and will frequently lift up to 25 pounds such as moving parts from material storage and moving parts in and out of work area.

The Plating Cell Lead has the authority necessary to effectively complete the responsibilities and duties listed herein:

· Direct the activities of employees reporting to this position including scheduling, assigning, and monitoring their work.

· Recruit and hire, train, evaluate, counsel, and discipline the employees reporting to this position, in alignment with the Employee Handbook.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership:

· Direct daily operations of the electroplating facility, including scheduling, assigning, and monitoring work

· Ensure adherence to aerospace and defense production standards, including NADCAP and AS9100 and customer specifications.

· Drive process improvements to enhance throughput, reliability, and cost-efficiency.

Technical Expertise:

· Serve as the technical authority on hard chrome plating, including bath chemistry, surface prep, and process control.

· Develop and maintain plating procedures and work instructions aligned with aerospace specifications.

· Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for plating defects or process deviations.

EHS Compliance:

· Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations.

· Prepare chemical batches and safely replace plating solutions.

· Monitor and maintain plating solution filtration and overall bath quality.

· Conduct and document regular audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.

· Ensure the correct use and mandate of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

Quality Assurance:

· Collaborate with quality teams to ensure plating meets aerospace and defense specifications.

· Regularly use and train team members on quality tools including but not limited to the use of micrometers, gauges, etc..

· Support internal and external audits, including NADCAP accreditation and customer inspections.

· Maintain documentation and traceability in accordance with defense industry requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.