Plating Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a Lab Technician with a strong interest in process improvement, who is eager to work in an industrial and plating environment. The role involves supporting lab waste treatment, performing basic wet chemistry and titration work, and analyzing how changes in chemistry impact product quality and process performance. This position requires a candidate who is comfortable both in the lab and on the production floor, optimizing plating and finishing processes, and communicating findings internally and with outside chemical representatives.

Responsibilities

• Operate and support the waste treatment facility.
• Perform basic wet chemistry, titrations, pH testing/manipulation, metal precipitation, polymers, and dosing/pumping.
• Analyze chemistry results and determine necessary bath/process adjustments.
• Communicate recommendations to production staff.
• Walk the production floor and observe product/process performance.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and chemical supplier representatives on analysis and optimization.
• Support quality and continuous improvement efforts.

• Experience in lab technician, waste treatment, plating, process technician, or similar industrial/lab environment.
• Basic chemistry knowledge required; wet chemistry/titration experience preferred.
• Strong interest in process improvement.
• Comfortable working in an industrial setting, not just a lab.
• Good communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Open to training someone more junior, provided they have the right mindset and aptitude.

• Exposure to atomic absorption, x-ray measurement, or related analytical tools.
• Experience in metal finishing, plating, or chemical process operations.
• Some chemistry education/coursework preferred, but not overly research-focused or overqualified.

This role is based in an industrial plating and manufacturing environment rather than a traditional office or research lab setting. The individual will split time between the lab and the production floor, performing basic chemistry analysis and then walking the floor to observe product quality, monitor how process changes impact output, and support continuous improvement efforts. The environment is hands-on, fast-paced, and collaborative, with regular interaction between lab staff, production employees, facility leadership, and outside chemical representatives. This is a good fit for someone who is comfortable in an industrial setting, enjoys being visible on the floor, and wants to play an active role in improving processes. The role requires working on-site Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ypsilanti, MI.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $27.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Ypsilanti,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.