Plating Lab Chemist/Technician (Aerospace & Automotive)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Plating Lab Chemist to join our chemical processing team supporting plating operations for aerospace and automotive components. This role is responsible for maintaining chemical process control, performing laboratory analyses, ensuring compliance with industry standards (NADCAP, ISO/IEC 17025), and supporting audit readiness and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key 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 17025 standards.
• Ensure all plating operations (e.g., anodizing, electroplating, passivation, chromate conversion) 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 17025 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 17025.
• 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.

Qualifications:

• Associates 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 17025 laboratory management systems.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and basic data analysis software.

Preferred:

• Experience with spectroscopic methods (AAS, ICP-OES), titration systems, and LIMS.
• ISO 17025 internal auditor certification or NADCAP training.
• Six Sigma or Lean certification.
• Experience with SPC software (e.g., Minitab).

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

Laboratory and manufacturing floor environment.

Exposure to chemicals; appropriate PPE must be worn.

Standing, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs may be required.

Why Join Us?

Industry-leading company in both aerospace and automotive sectors.

Collaborative and safety-focused culture.

Opportunities for professional development and certifications.

The base pay hiring rate expected for this position is: $22.75-$25.00 hourly

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must frequently do hand motions and repetitive tasks requiring hand eye coordination for assembling parts, must occasionally carry and lift up to 50 pounds to perform various duties. Occasionally do immediate reaching and overhead reaching, frequent standing to perform various duties, occasional walking for short amounts of time, and extended sitting for long periods of time at desk or workstation.

Benefits and Perks

Methode offers US employees Medical, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Life & Disability insurance, a wellness program, and time off benefits.

Voluntary benefit plans include Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Pet Insurance.

Methode provides an Employee Assistance Program, and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan which includes a company contribution.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

Methode Electronics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics per the EEO Poster available here . If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to ... or call ... and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.