Plating Process Engineer

SSW Advanced Technologies; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SSW Advanced Technologies, located in Louisville, KY, is looking for a skilled Process Engineer to lead process optimization for Nickel and Zinc plating lines. The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of hands-on experience in plating process engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.

This role requires strong problem-solving abilities and engagement with various manufacturing teams. Key responsibilities include conducting audits, enforcing process controls, and supporting customer compliance audits.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of hands-on plating process engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of bath chemistry management and surface preparation.
• Ability to travel up to 50% within the U.S. and Mexico.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end process optimization for Nickel and Zinc plating lines.
• Conduct process audits and implement corrective actions.
• Drive implementation of statistical process control systems.

Skills

Process control

Troubleshooting plating operations

Problem-solving and analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

SSW Advanced Technologies, LLC is a growing multinational supplier to the global appliance OEMs. With more than 70 years of expertise and innovation, we design and sell components and systems to the residential appliance industry (refrigeration, cooking, laundry), commercial refrigeration, HVAC, retail display and home/office organizational markets. More information is available on our website https://www.sswtechnologies.com/

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end process optimization for Nickel and Zinc plating lines, ensuring repeatability, efficiency, and consistent quality across locations
• Conduct process audits, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions to standardize operations
• Establish and enforce process controls, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and parameter management
• Diagnose and resolve process variation, defects, and quality issues using root cause analysis (RCA) and data-driven methods
• Drive implementation of statistical process control (SPC) and performance monitoring systems
• Partner with production, quality, and maintenance teams to ensure process stability and uptime
• Develop and maintain documentation including process flow diagrams, control plans, and work instructions
• Evaluate and optimize bath chemistry, chemical usage, and plating line performance
• Establish maintenance protocols and oversee execution, including effectiveness tracking
• Identify equipment and process improvement opportunities and support multi-year investment planning
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, cost reduction, and throughput
• Provide technical guidance and training across sites and teams
• Support customer audits, compliance requirements, and plating-related standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related field
• 5–10+ years of hands-on plating process engineering experience, including:
  • Nickel plating (electroless and/or electrolytic)
  • Zinc plating
• Demonstrated expertise in process control, SPC, and troubleshooting plating operations
• Strong understanding of:
  • Bath chemistry management
  • Surface preparation and pretreatment
  • Coating thickness, adhesion, and corrosion performance
• Proven ability to stabilize underperforming processes and implement sustainable improvements
• Strong English language skills required
• Ability to travel up to 50% within the U.S. and Mexico
• Valid passport and/or required travel documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language proficiency (strongly preferred for U.S.-based candidates)
• Experience in high-volume or automotive manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with ISO/IATF quality systems
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt)
• Experience with process automation or digital monitoring systems

Key Competencies

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong process discipline and attention to detail
• Ability to audit processes and implement corrective actions
• Effective communication across technical and non-technical teams
• Ability to influence and drive change across multiple sites
• Hands-on, action-oriented approach

Commitment to Core Values

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Caring for People
• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Improvement