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Plating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plating Process Engineer

Covington, GA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

PLATING PROCESS ENGINEER Location: COVINGTON, GA JOB SUMMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: * Manage process based on understanding the plating process * Operate plating process and equipment and analyze ...

Plating Process Engineer

Covington, GA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

PLATING PROCESS ENGINEER Location: COVINGTON, GA JOB SUMMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: * Manage process based on understanding the plating process * Operate plating process and equipment and analyze ...

Plating Technician (2nd Shift)

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $23/hr

Assisting the plating engineer in developing wet processes, as well as related racking and testing procedures to produce high quality coatings and plating on magnet products. * Assisting in ...

Plating Operator (2nd Shift)

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Assisting the plating engineer in developing wet processes, as well as related racking and testing procedures to produce high quality coatings and plating on magnet products. * Assisting in ...

Plating Operator (2nd Shift)

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Assisting the plating engineer in developing wet processes, as well as related racking and testing procedures to produce high quality coatings and plating on magnet products. * Assisting in ...

Plating Operator (3rd Shift)

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Assisting the plating engineer/technician in daily operations, as well as related tests to ensure we produce high quality coating and plating on magnet products. * Assisting in reporting maintenance ...

Plating Operator (2nd Shift)

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Assisting the plating engineer/technician in daily operations, as well as related tests to ensure we produce high quality coating and plating on magnet products. * Assisting in reporting maintenance ...

Plating Operator (3rd Shift)

San Marcos, TX

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Assisting the plating engineer/technician in daily operations, as well as related tests to ensure we produce high quality coating and plating on magnet products. * Assisting in reporting maintenance ...

Plating Operator (2nd Shift)

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Assisting the plating engineer/technician in daily operations, as well as related tests to ensure we produce high quality coating and plating on magnet products. * Assisting in reporting maintenance ...

Be Seen First

This role is ideal for an Electroplating Engineer, Process Engineer, Senior Plating Technician, Plating Lab Technician, or experienced Metal Finishing professional who enjoys working directly with ...

New

Electroplating Engineer NovoLINC, Inc. About NovoLINC NovoLINC is a deep-tech spin-off from ... Maintaining the plating line chemistry and developing quality control and standard tests to ensure ...

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Plating Engineer information

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$38K

$90.5K

$150.5K

How much do plating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for plating engineer in the United States is $90,538.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plating engineer?

Plating Engineers are professionals who specialize in the process of applying metal coatings to various materials, typically to enhance durability, prevent corrosion, or improve appearance. They design and oversee electroplating and other surface finishing processes in manufacturing settings. Plating Engineers are responsible for developing process parameters, troubleshooting plating issues, ensuring quality control, and maintaining compliance with safety and environmental standards. They work closely with production teams to optimize plating operations and may also research and implement new technologies in surface finishing.

What does a plating engineer do?

As a plating or electroplating engineer, your primary responsibilities include working on a team to manufacture conductors based on client designs and solving engineering issues that arise. You also work closely with suppliers to collect specifications on any new material, product, or equipment needed to fulfill customer requests. Other duties include improving the efficiency of the plating process by inspecting scraps, recommending solutions and improvements to chronic problems, and performing experiments to meet and exceed customer plating specs. You are expected to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations regarding hazardous waste, industrial waste, and the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plating engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plating Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering, materials science, and surface finishing processes, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with plating equipment, quality control systems, and safety protocols—plus certification in areas like Six Sigma or ISO standards—is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help you excel, alongside effective communication to collaborate with production and quality teams. These skills are critical for ensuring high-quality, cost-effective plating operations while maintaining safety and compliance in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by plating engineers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Plating Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent coating quality, managing waste and environmental regulations, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Addressing these challenges requires a strong understanding of chemical processes, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with quality control and maintenance teams. Staying current with industry best practices and regularly calibrating equipment also helps ensure optimal results and compliance with safety standards.

What is the difference between Plating Engineer vs Electroplating Technician?

AspectPlating EngineerElectroplating Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in materials, chemistry, or engineeringHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical training
Work EnvironmentDesign, process development, quality control in manufacturingHands-on plating processes in production settings
Industry UsageDesigning and improving plating processes, overseeing qualityExecuting plating tasks, maintaining equipment

Plating Engineers focus on process design, development, and quality assurance, often requiring a degree. Electroplating Technicians handle the practical application of plating processes, typically with technical training. Both roles are essential in manufacturing but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What cities are hiring for Plating Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Plating Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Plating Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Plating Engineer jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Plating Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Plating Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Plating Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Plating Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Plating Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Plating Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Plating Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,538 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Sr. Principal Plating Engineer

FormFactor, Inc.

Livermore, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


FormFactor rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Forming Our Future together
FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full semiconductor product life cycle - from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug, to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor's products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Rooted in our core values - Focus on the Customer, Ownership & Accountability, Respectfully & Effectively Communicate, and Motivate & Develop People - we foster an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Everyone can make an impact here. Whether it's improving products, supporting customers, or positively influencing peers and the community, the contributions of our people matter.
Shift:
The regular hours for this position are day shift.
Job Description:
The Sr. Principal Plating Engineer (MEMS R&D) serves as a recognized technical authority responsible for defining, developing, and implementing advanced electroplating technologies, metallurgical innovations, and process integration strategies for MEMS probe fabrication. This role combines deep expertise in electrochemistry, materials science, semiconductor processing, and advanced metallurgy with the ability to solve highly complex technical challenges that have significant impact on FormFactor's technology roadmap and competitive advantage.
As a senior technical leader, you will lead strategic R&D initiatives, drive innovation in electrodeposition and material development, influence product and process direction, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enable next-generation probe card performance. This role requires the ability to balance long-term technology development with hands-on process characterization and problem solving.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership & Innovation
  • Define and execute long-range technology roadmaps for advanced electroplating processes, materials, and metallurgical innovations supporting future MEMS probe technologies.
  • Serve as the organization's subject matter expert in electroplating, electroless deposition, electrochemistry, and metallurgical process development.
  • Lead research, evaluation, and implementation of novel materials and deposition technologies to improve electrical, thermal, mechanical, and reliability performance.
  • Assess emerging industry technologies and identify opportunities to create sustainable competitive advantages through advanced materials and plating processes.
  • Generate intellectual property through invention disclosures, patent development, and technical innovation initiatives.

Process Development & Characterization
  • Design and execute complex Design of Experiments (DOE) to develop and optimize advanced metallurgical solutions for MEMS probe fabrication.
  • Develop, characterize, document, and scale electrodeposition processes for next-generation vertical probe technologies.
  • Establish process windows, operating specifications, and control methodologies to ensure robust and repeatable manufacturing performance.
  • Lead process integration efforts across MEMS fabrication workflows.
  • Maintain expertise in plating bath chemistry, deposit morphology, stress management, grain structure control, and material performance optimization.

Materials Analysis & Failure Investigation
  • Perform advanced materials characterization using SEM, EDS/EDAX, FIB, microscopy, and other analytical techniques.
  • Analyze deposited metal structures to evaluate composition, microstructure, purity, and performance characteristics.
  • Lead root cause investigations involving plating defects, process excursions, reliability concerns, and manufacturing challenges.
  • Apply first-principles engineering and statistical methodologies to solve complex electrochemical and material-related issues.

Process Control & Operational Excellence
  • Develop advanced process monitoring, control, and qualification methodologies.
  • Establish analytical techniques for plating bath characterization and chemical management.
  • Drive improvements in yield, process capability, throughput, and manufacturing robustness.
  • Define best practices for electrochemical process control, safety, and materials handling.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards associated with chemical processing operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with R&D, Product Development, Process Integration, Manufacturing, Equipment Engineering, and Quality teams to support technology development and commercialization.
  • Review new product designs and provide guidance regarding manufacturability, materials selection, and plating process capabilities.
  • Influence technical decisions and provide expert recommendations for strategic development initiatives.
  • Present technical findings and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

Mentorship & Organizational Impact
  • Mentor engineers, scientists, and technicians in electrochemistry, plating technologies, and process development methodologies.
  • Establish technical standards, documentation practices, and engineering best practices across the organization.
  • Build organizational capabilities through coaching, training, and technical leadership.
  • Lead technical reviews and serve as a trusted advisor on critical technology and manufacturing decisions.

Skills:
Electrochemistry, Electroless Plating, Electron Microscopy, Electroplating, Materials Engineering, Semiconductor Development, Semiconductor Fabrication, Semiconductors
Education & Experience:
Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience | Required
Pay Range:
$136,200.00 - $178,815.00
Pay Range Explained:
This role in Livermore, California pays between $136,200.00 and $178,815.00 per year, depending on your experience, skills, and background. Pay may vary in other locations. We offer a full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, a 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), and paid time off. You'll also be eligible for quarterly profit-sharing bonuses and flexible spending or savings accounts.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
FormFactor is an equal opportunity employer. FormFactor complies with all national, state, and local laws that seek to promote equal opportunities for any applicant or employee without regard to age, race, color, gender, gender identity/expression, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, military service, or any other legally protected characteristics. These protections apply to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and compensation.
For roles that are designated as remote-eligible, employees cannot be located in: AL, AK, AR, DE, GA, HI, IL, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, ND, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, WV, WI, WY. This list is continuously evolving and being updated, please check back with us if the state you live in is on the exclusion list. A role is remote-eligible only when it is listed as "Remote" in the job location.

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