1st Shift - Plating Line Operator

Staffing Support Specialists; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffing Support Specialists is seeking a Plating Line Operator to manage automated plating lines. Responsibilities include setting up machines, inspecting products for defects, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Candidates should possess basic mechanical aptitude and preferably a high school diploma.

The role involves physical demands such as lifting heavy materials and standing for long periods. Comprehensive training will be provided, including safety and chemical exposure training.

Qualifications

• Ability to stand for long shifts (8-12 hours).
• Lift up to 50 lbs continuously.
• Functional English skills in reading, writing & speaking.

Responsibilities

• Set up, start, and adjust automated or semi-automated plating lines.
• Rack cast parts & hardware to appropriate racks.
• Visually inspect finished products for defects.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Basic math skills

Computer skills

Background in chemistry

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Precision tools

Full-face respirator

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Plating Line Operator – 2

Shift: 1st shift.

Location/Department: (Not specified)

JOB FUNCTION AND SCOPE

Set up, start, and adjust automated or semi‑automated plating lines. This includes regulating electrical current, voltage, and tank temperatures to match specific work orders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Rack cast parts & hardware to the appropriate rack, following the process document for correct location and orientation of part.
• Remove completed parts from racks and place them in appropriate bins, carts, or other storage devices.
• Visually inspect finished products for defects like air bubbles, flaking, or uneven coverage. Use precision tools like heat quencher & nickel tester to verify that coating thicknesses meet strict customer specifications.
• Report plating defects or problems relating to the plating line to the plating supervisor in a timely manner.
• Assist in the periodic dismantling and cleaning of the plating line tanks, conveyor, transfer device, and other plating related equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment, including cleaning tanks and lubricating moving parts of conveyors.
• Strictly follow safety protocols for handling hazardous chemicals. Keep detailed production logs, including chemical usage and downtime records.
• Assist lead operator with nickel filter & WWT filter cleaning.
• Start up & shut down of WWT when needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the department supervisor.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Prior manufacturing experience a plus but not required.

TRAINING

Most employers provide 1 to 12 months of on‑the‑job training; however, some positions may require specific vocational training or apprenticeship.

• Employee Orientation
• Safety training, including chemical exposure
• Detailed chemical exposure, guarding and emergency response training.
• Legal Compliance Calendar
• ISO Training Matrix

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude and basic math and computer skills are essential. A background in chemistry is often preferred.

Physical Demands: Ability to stand for long shifts (8‑12 hours), lift up to 50 lbs, and work in industrial environments that may be hot, noisy, or contain chemical odors.

Language Skills: Must have functional English skills in reading, writing & speaking.

Reasoning Abilities: Significant judgment is required to set up assigned machine in accordance with standard methods and procedures. Working knowledge of the chemical and mechanical requirements of the plating line & WWT. Detailed knowledge of the correlation between parts & part racks. Knowledge of rack conditions and cleaning requirement. Must develop a working knowledge of the full plating machine operation & WWT, be able to identify potential problems and learn appropriate responses to various types of equipment problems.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• WWT Certificate preferred, but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS (Detailed)

• Must be able to stand on a continual basis for the full workday.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a highly repetitive basis.
• Must have significant arm & hand strength to load the large quantity of hardware to the plating racks.
• Must have adequate lung capacity to work for periods of 2 hours with full‑face respirator while performing heavy lifting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The plating line has a moderate noise level (< 85 dB).
• Temperatures can range from 50°F in the winter to 95°F+ in the summer.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.