Electroplating Supervisor

Richardson Electronics, Ltd.; La Fox (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Job summary

Richardson Electronics, Ltd. in Illinois seeks an Electroplating Supervisor to oversee plating operations and guide a team of chemical operators. You will ensure quality, safety, and compliance, monitor wastewater treatment, manage hazardous waste, and maintain process records.

Responsibilities include training staff, maintaining bath chemistry, operating XRF thickness testers, and keeping ISO-9001 procedures current while watching budget and production metrics.

Qualifications

• Formal education in Chemistry or related field; Chemical Engineering/Chemistry degree preferred.
• Extensive plating and coating experience (10–15 years) in production environments.
• Experience with environmental compliance and hazardous waste disposal.
• Wastewater treatment certification desired.
• Safety oriented in hazardous environments.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee all plating operations ensuring coating specifications (thickness, adhesion, finish).
• Train chemical operators in plating bath operation and troubleshooting.
• Maintain bath chemistry by sampling and adjusting baths for quality.
• Maintain inventory of production chemicals and supplies.
• Operate and maintain XRF Thickness Tester and generate part certifications as needed.
• Update plating process records and ensure ISO-9001 compliance.
• Monitor wastewater treatment system and hazardous waste disposal; assist environmental reporting.
• Monitor departmental spending within budget constraints.

Skills

Safety leadership

Team supervision

Training others

Quality-conscious

Education

Chemistry degree

Chemical Engineering degree

10–15 years plating experience

Tools

XRF Thickness Tester

Job description

(Hours: 11am - 7:30pm)

Job Title: Electroplating Supervisor

Company: Richardson Electronics, Ltd.

Type: Full time (Hours: 11am - 7:30pm)

This is a working supervisor position that oversees and/or performs all operations in the Plating area. Other chemical operators are supervised by this position. Role responsibilities include safety, plating and cleaning operations, quality, the monitoring and operation of the wastewater treatment system, and proper disposal of hazardous chemicals. Responsible for all work instructions with the Plating department.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

• Performs and/or oversee all plating operations, ensuring metal coatings meet strict thickness, adhesion, and finish standards.
• Trains other chemical operators in basic operation and troubleshooting of plating baths.
• Ensures monthly plating bath chemistry samples are taken and uses the chemistry reports to make additions/changes to the plating baths to maintain quality of finished parts.
• Maintains stock of production chemicals, packaging and other supplies.
• Operates and maintains standards & certification for XRF Thickness Tester, generates part certifications for plated parts requiring it.
• Updates and corrects plating process records, when necessary.
• Oversee the chemical cleaning and aqueous degreasing operations.
• Operates and monitors wastewater treatment system.
• Maintain all hazardous waste disposal and inventory records
• Assist the Facilities Manager in environmental compliance and hazardous waste disposal by providing information for the completion of Tier II reports, RCRA Annual Generator report, CERCLA, and FORM R reports.
• Maintain and improve procedures for ISO-9001 compliance in plating operations.
• Monitors departmental spending within budget constraints.

Non-essential Job Functions

• During slow times may be required to perform other duties as assigned by the Chemical Operations Manager.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversee other chemical operators’ safety, work quality and efficiency making sure all correct processes are followed.

Qualification Requirements

A person in this function must have formal educational training in Chemistry, preferably with Chemical Engineering/Chemistry degree OR a minimum of 10-15 years of plating and coating experience in a production environment. Experience in environmental compliance and hazardous waste disposal is strongly desired along with wastewater treatment certification. Must be safety oriented in this environment.

Working Environment

Works with hazardous substances (Chemical waste, acids, caustics, cyanides and other toxic substances). Employees must wear protective clothing including safety glasses, shields, goggles, boots, gloves and other safety equipment as necessary. Must be able to lift 55 lbs. Extended periods of standing.

About Richardson Electronics

Richardson Electronics, Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions, power grid and microwave tubes, and related consumables; power conversion and RF and microwave components including green energy solutions; high-value replacement parts, tubes, and service training for diagnostic imaging equipment; and customized display solutions. More than 60% of our products are manufactured in LaFox, Illinois, Marlborough, Massachusetts, or Donaueschingen, Germany, or by one of our manufacturing partners throughout the world. All our partners manufacture to our strict specifications and adhere to our supplier terms and conditions. We serve customers in the alternative energy, healthcare, aviation, broadcast, communications, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific, and semiconductor markets. The Company’s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and “engineered solutions” based on our core engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The Company provides solutions and adds value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics, and aftermarket technical service and repair through its global infrastructure. More information is available at www.rell.com .

Our manufacturing facility operates under lean manufacturing principles, which means we are focused on efficiency, continuous improvement, and meeting customer demand in real time. As part of our team, you may be asked to flex between different areas or responsibilities depending on production needs. This flexibility is key to how we maintain a responsive, high-performing operation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

Richardson Electronics is an international organization with offices worldwide. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees have equal opportunities to succeed, grow, and contribute. We believe in creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and supported. By promoting fairness, inclusivity, and a culture of mutual respect, we ensure that our employees, customers, and the communities we serve can achieve their goals. Our ability to bring together individuals with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our continued global success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

• Must be authorized to work in the US.

Required Postings

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlac.pdf

Employer Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Know Your Rights https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf

Invitation to Self-Identify https://www.rell.com/webfoo/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Invitation-to-Self-Identify.pdf

Pay Range: $35-40 per hour plus incentive

Benefits

• comprehensive health insurance with multiple PPO and HSA plan options, as well as dental and vision coverage.
• We offer flexible spending accounts (FSA), life insurance, voluntary life insurance, short- and long-term disability (STD & LTD), an employee assistance program (EAP), smoking cessation support, weight management program, pet insurance, LifeLock identity protection, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.
• Additionally, we provide generous vacation time, sick/personal days, 10 paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement to support ongoing education and work-life balance.