Plating Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Plating Machine Operator (3rd Shift)

Job Description

The Plating Operator works in a fast-paced production environment, operating wet process equipment to support panel processing and plating operations. This role involves handling chemicals safely, using hand tools and production machinery, and following precise specifications to produce high-quality printed circuit board panels and related components on a consistent basis.

Responsibilities

• Operate wet process equipment for panel processing, including manual copper plating, gold immersion, electroless copper, electrolytic gold, outer layer etching, and hot air level processing.
• Set up, monitor, and maintain chemical processing equipment within defined operational parameters to ensure consistent quality and throughput.
• Carefully load racks into plating tanks while verifying and maintaining proper bath temperature and current levels.
• Load production lines with panels and related materials to keep workflow moving efficiently.
• Work around chemicals in a safe and controlled manner, following all established safety procedures and guidelines.
• Follow customer specifications and process instructions to meet quality and performance requirements.
• Lift, pull, and push items over 20 pounds as needed to move materials, racks, and equipment components.
• Stand for long periods of time while operating equipment and performing production tasks.
• Maintain and clean all department equipment to ensure reliable operation and a safe work area.
• Use hand tools to screw in items and tighten clamps manually as part of the plating and panel preparation process.
• Work with hands for extended periods of time, performing detailed and repetitive manual tasks with accuracy.
• Handle and process chemicals in a safe and monitored environment, complying with all safety and environmental standards.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a fast-paced production or general labor environment.
• Ability to operate production machinery and equipment, including wet process and plating equipment.
• Knowledge of plating processes such as manual copper plating, gold immersion, electroless copper, electrolytic gold, outer layer etching, and hot air level processing.
• Ability to set and maintain chemical processing equipment within specified parameters.
• Comfort working around chemicals and following safe chemical handling practices.
• Ability to lift, pull, and push over 20 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time while performing production tasks.
• Strong manual dexterity and ability to work with hands for extended periods, including using hand tools and tightening clamps.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow customer specifications and process instructions accurately.
• Reliability and flexibility to work 3rd shift (11:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.) with overtime and Saturdays as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of printed circuit boards and panel processing is a plus.
• Previous experience in general production, machine operation, or plating environments.
• Familiarity with hand tools and basic mechanical tasks.
• Comfort working in a structured, process-driven manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to learn and follow detailed procedures for chemical and equipment handling.

Why Work Here?

You join a production team that offers consistent work, structured processes, and the opportunity to build specialized skills in plating and chemical processing. The organization provides regular access to daily overtime and weekend overtime, allowing you to increase your earnings while gaining valuable experience in a technical manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility that operates on a 3rd shift schedule from 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., with overtime and Saturday work as needed to meet production demands. You work in a fast-paced production setting that involves operating wet process and plating equipment, handling chemicals in a safe and monitored environment, and using hand tools and machinery throughout the shift. The position requires standing for long periods, performing repetitive manual tasks, and lifting, pulling, and pushing items over 20 pounds. The work area is structured and process-driven, with a strong emphasis on safety procedures, chemical handling protocols, and equipment cleanliness.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orange, CA.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00/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 Orange,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

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

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.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.