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Plating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NovoLINC Inc

Plating Line Operator

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

You will work closely with the Senior Technician under the guidance of the Senior Plating Engineer to run production batches, maintain chemical baths, and ensure high-quality output of products. This ...

NovoLINC Inc

Electroplating Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

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 ...

Amat

Plating (PPC) Process Support Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting ...

REMTEC INC

Plating Technician

Canton, MA · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Provide technical support to plating process engineering and production personnel in all areas of chemical processing. Duties will include involvement in all aspects of chemical process production ...

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group

Plating

Benton Harbor, MI

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Primetals Technologies USA is a leading partner for engineering, plant construction and lifecycle ... We are looking to hire for the position of Plating for our Benton Harbor, MI facility. Experience ...

MHI

Plating

Benton Harbor, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Primetals Technologies USA is a leading partner for engineering, plant construction and lifecycle ... We are looking to hire for the position of Plating for our Benton Harbor, MI facility. Experience ...

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All JobsPlating Engineer Jobs

Plating Engineer information

See salary details

$38K

$90.5K

$150.5K

How much do plating engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering roles such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, often with bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often work in high-demand industries or executive-level roles.

What are Plating Engineers?

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.

Is plating a good job?

A plating engineer is responsible for applying metal coatings to parts to improve durability and appearance, often working in manufacturing or industrial settings. The job requires knowledge of chemical processes, attention to safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in hazardous materials handling. It can offer stable employment with opportunities for technical skill development.

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 does a plating engineer do?

A plating engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining electroplating processes to apply metal coatings to products, ensuring quality and adherence to specifications. They analyze surface preparation, select appropriate materials, and use tools like thickness gauges and chemical solutions, often working in manufacturing or quality control environments. Strong knowledge of chemistry, process control, and safety protocols is essential for this role.

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 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and working in high-demand industries or executive-level roles.
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Plating Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plating Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,538 per year, or $43.5 per hour.
Senior Process Engineer- Nickel Plating/ Electroplating

Senior Process Engineer- Nickel Plating/ Electroplating

SQA Services

Baltimore, MD

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

SQA Services is seeking an experienced Aerospace Nickel Plating / Special Process Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support technical assessments, process remediation, supplier recovery activities, and process capability evaluations within aerospace manufacturing supply chains. The SME will provide hands-on technical expertise in electroplating processes, special process controls, plating defect analysis, fixturing/racking optimization, and process validation at supplier manufacturing locations. The role will support aerospace customers experiencing plating-related quality, dimensional, cosmetic, and process-capability issues that impact production and delivery performance.  This position requires a deep technical understanding of aerospace plating processes and the ability to collaborate with suppliers, customers, manufacturing engineering teams, and quality organizations to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions. This is a short-term (2-week) consulting postition working full-time hours on the first shift. 
Key Responsibilities
Technical Process Assessment
•    Perform onsite assessments of aerospace electroplating operations including nickel plating and related special processes 
•    Evaluate plating process flow, controls, equipment, chemistry management, and operator practices 
•    Assess process stability, repeatability, and overall process maturity 
•    Identify process gaps, risk areas, and probable root cause contributors 
Racking & Fixturing Evaluation
•    Evaluate rack design suitability and current distribution effectiveness 
•    Assess electrical contact integrity and repeatability 
•    Analyze part orientation, shielding, thieving, and loading configurations 
•    Identify conditions contributing to: plating thickness non-uniformity, edge buildup, burning, bubbling/blistering, gas entrapment, cosmetic defects, or inadequate coverage 
Defect Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
•    Support technical investigations involving plating defects and process instability 
•    Review interactions between: machined part geometry, surface finish, process controls, fixturing, and plating outcomes 
•    Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action development 
•    Validate effectiveness of implemented corrective actions 
Process Validation & Trial Support
•    Witness plating trials and corrective action implementation activities 
•    Support evaluation of revised fixturing and process parameter adjustments 
•    Review thickness mapping and inspection results 
•    Assess process repeatability and capability indicators 
Supplier Technical Support
•    Interface directly with supplier engineering, quality, and operations teams 
•    Provide technical recommendations for process improvement and stabilization 
•    Support supplier recovery and process remediation activities 
•    Communicate technical findings clearly to customer and supplier leadership 
Documentation & Reporting
•    Generate detailed technical assessment reports 
•    Document process gaps, observations, risks, and recommendations 
•    Support development of remediation plans and process improvement roadmaps 
•    Provide objective technical recommendations regarding supplier viability and process capability 
Required Technical Expertise
Candidates should possess strong working knowledge of:

Aerospace Electroplating Processes
•    Nickel plating 
•    Electroless nickel processes 
•    Aerospace special process controls 
•    Surface preparation and activation methods 
•    Cleaning and pretreatment operations 
•    Plating chemistry fundamentals 
•    Current density effects 
•    Hydrogen-related plating risks 
•    Cosmetic and functional plating defect mechanisms 
Racking & Current Distribution
•    Rack design principles 
•    Shielding and thieving methods 
•    Electrical contact optimization 
•    Part orientation effects 
•    Current path distribution 
•    High/low current density effects 
•    Fixture repeatability and maintenance 
Inspection & Verification
•    Plating thickness measurement methods 
•    XRF systems 
•    Cross-sectional analysis 
•    Measurement system considerations 
•    Inspection methodology evaluation 
•    Interpretation of plating specifications and acceptance criteria 
Aerospace Manufacturing Environment
•    Aerospace quality systems 
•    Special process controls 
•    Root cause and corrective action methodologies 
•    Process capability concepts 
•    Engineering drawing interpretation 
•    GD&T interpretation 
•    Supplier quality expectations within aerospace manufacturing 
Preferred Qualifications
•    10+ years of aerospace electroplating or special process experience 
•    Experience supporting aerospace OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers 
•    NADCAP special process experience strongly preferred 
•    Experience with nickel plating process troubleshooting and remediation 
•    Experience with complex machined aerospace hardware 
•    Experience supporting supplier recovery activities 
•    Strong technical writing and reporting capabilities 
•    Ability to work independently onsite at supplier facilities 
Preferred Industry Experience
Experience supporting one or more of the following industries is preferred:

•    Aerospace 
•    Space launch systems 
•    Defense 
•    Precision machining 
•    Flight hardware manufacturing 
•    High-reliability manufacturing environments 
Key Attributes
•    Strong technical troubleshooting capability 
•    Hands-on process evaluation mindset 
•    Ability to communicate effectively with both executive leadership and shop floor personnel 
•    Objective and data-driven decision making 
•    Collaborative but technically assertive approach 
•    Ability to rapidly assess manufacturing risk and process maturity 
Work Environment
•    Significant onsite supplier support activities may be required 
•    Travel to customer and supplier manufacturing locations required 
•    Short-duration intensive technical assessments and remediation activities typical 
SQA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.​
 
Apply today for immediate consideration!
Must be ITAR compliant and willing to undergo a background check.

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