Plating Operator - 3rd Shift

WINONICS; Brea (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Winonics in Brea, CA is seeking a Plating Operator to operate and maintain plating and wet process equipment for high-reliability PCB production. The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and compliance with customer specs and environmental standards.

You will perform copper and other plating/bath operations, maintain equipment, inspect outputs, and follow strict work instructions while collaborating with Production and Engineering teams. ITAR eligibility and drug/background checks apply.

Qualifications

• 2–6 years of plating or wet process experience in PCB manufacturing or similar electronics production
• Ability to read and follow technical work instructions and production documentation
• Comfortable wearing full PPE (gloves, safety glasses, face shields, aprons, chemical-resistant footwear)
• Ability to work around chemical processes in a controlled manufacturing environment
• Basic computer skills for tracking and logging production data
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced setting

Responsibilities

• Operate plating and chemical processes (copper plating, acid/tin plating, electroless copper, nickel, gold).
• Perform resist strip, copper etch, solder strip, and related wet processes per procedures.
• Maintain chemical baths and plating equipment with routine preventive maintenance.
• Inspect products and process stages to verify specs and quality.
• Follow travelers, work instructions, and order-specific requirements with accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and waste handling regulations.
• Coordinate with Waste Treatment for proper disposal of spent chemicals.
• Collaborate with Production and Engineering on workflow and process improvements.
• Support department operations with additional duties as needed

Skills

Plating/wet process experience

Technical document reading

PPE compliance

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking a Plating Operator to join our Brea facility. This role is responsible for operating and maintaining plating and wet process equipment used in the production of high-reliability printed circuit boards. The Plating Operator ensures all products are processed accurately, safely, and in compliance with customer specifications and environmental standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Execute plating and chemical process operations, including copper plating, acid/tin plating, electroless copper, nickel, soft gold, hard gold, and related cleaning and stripping processes
• Perform resist strip, copper etch, solder strip, and associated wet process operations according to established procedures
• Conduct routine preventative maintenance on chemical baths and plating equipment to maintain stable operating conditions
• Inspect products and process stages to verify compliance with specifications and identify potential quality issues
• Follow travelers, work instructions, and order-specific requirements with accuracy and attention to detail
• Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to chemical handling, safety, and waste management
• Coordinate with Waste Treatment personnel to ensure proper handling and disposal of spent chemicals
• Adhere to all company safety policies, PPE requirements, and chemical handling procedures
• Collaborate with Production and Engineering teams to support workflow, quality initiatives, and process improvement activities
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support department operations

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• 2–6 years of plating or wet process experience in PCB manufacturing or a similar electronics production environment preferred
• Ability to read and follow technical work instructions and production documentation
• Comfortable wearing full PPE, including gloves, safety glasses, face shields, aprons, and chemical-resistant footwear
• Comfortable working around chemical processes in a controlled manufacturing environment
• Basic computer skills for tracking and logging production data
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced production environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds without strain
• Ability to stand throughout the entire shift

Hourly Pay: $20 - $28 per hour

Compensation is based on relevant experience, education, certifications, and specialized skills.

Winonics is an ITAR-compliant facility, and all employees must meet ITAR eligibility requirements.

Winonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal, state, and local employment laws.

All employment offers at Winonics are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screening. Winonics is a drug-free workplace and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding background investigations and substance testing.