Plating Chemist

Job Description

We are seeking a meticulous and skilled Plating Lab Chemist to join our chemical processing team and support plating operations for aerospace and automotive components. In this role, you will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining chemical process controls, conducting laboratory testing and analysis, and ensuring adherence to industry standards such as NADCAP and ISO/IEC. You will also play a key role in audit preparedness and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the lab.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical analysis of plating baths, rinse waters, and other process solutions using titration, spectroscopy, and other analytical techniques.
• Maintain proper documentation and calibration of lab instruments in accordance with ISO/IEC standards.
• Ensure all plating operations meet NADCAP Chemical Processing requirements and customer specifications.
• Monitor and maintain chemical bath concentrations, pH levels, and temperature controls to ensure process integrity.
• Support NADCAP audits and perform internal audits for compliance to NADCAP and ISO protocols.
• Participate in root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process deviations or audit findings.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure chemical safety compliance in the lab.
• Assist with validation and development of new test methods in alignment with ISO standards.
• Provide technical support to plating and quality teams regarding surface treatments, corrosion resistance, and material compatibility.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using statistical process control (SPC), Lean, and Six Sigma tools.
• Manage chemical inventory including ordering, storage, and usage tracking to ensure compliance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Oversee wastewater treatment operations to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and proper disposal of hazardous materials.

• B.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a chemical or plating lab, preferably in aerospace or automotive manufacturing.
• In-depth understanding of electroplating and surface finishing processes.
• Familiarity with NADCAP Chemical Processing requirements and audit practices.
• Working knowledge of ISO/IEC laboratory management systems.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience with titration and spectroscopy.
• Experience in monitoring and maintaining chemical bath concentrations, pH levels, and temperature controls.
• High analytical and documentation experience.
• Experience in an AS9100 environment.
• Experience with NADCAP Chemical Processing requirements and audit practices.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing.

This is a first shift position from 6:00am to 2:30pm with overtime as needed. The role is based in a laboratory and manufacturing floor environment with exposure to chemicals. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn. The position may require standing, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rolling Meadows,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 27, 2025.

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 due to a disability, please email ... for other accommodation options.