Plating Technician (3rd Shift)

advantestcareers; SOUTH PLAINFIELD (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantest in New Jersey is seeking a manufacturing technician to prepare PCB panels for plating, operate plating lines, set parameters, and maintain bath chemistry. You will inspect finishes, measure thickness, and document results.

The role requires safety awareness and ability to work with chemical processes in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include following production sheets, recording data in MES, and supporting continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic computer skills for operating machine controls.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents and work instructions.
• Able to lift up to 35 lb.
• OSHA safety awareness and PPE protocols.

Responsibilities

• Prepare PCB panels for plating through cleaning, micro-etching, and surface conditioning.
• Operate and monitor plating lines for copper, nickel, gold, tin, or other finishes.
• Set up plating parameters: current density, voltage, temperature, agitation, and chemical concentrations.
• Perform routine titrations and solution analyses to maintain proper bath chemistry.
• Add chemicals, adjust concentrations, and document bath maintenance activities.
• Inspect panels for defects such as uneven deposition, nodules, voids, or contamination.
• Measure plating thickness using XRF or approved measurement tools to meet specifications.
• Load and unload panels onto plating racks or automated conveyors.
• Maintain plating equipment including anodes, filters, pumps, and rectifiers.
• Follow process sheets and engineering documentation for each production run.
• Record process data, plating parameters, and inspection results in logs or MES systems.
• Identify and report process deviations or equipment malfunctions to engineering or supervision.
• Handle chemicals safely and follow PPE, ventilation, and hazardous-material procedures.
• Keep the plating area clean, 5S compliant, and safe.
• Support continuous improvement for plating quality, yield, and process efficiency.
• Assist cross-training efforts and carry out other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Reading tech docs

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

XRF knowledge

Job description

Job Description:

• Prepare PCB panels for plating by performing cleaning, micro‑etching, and surface conditioning steps.
• Operate and monitor electroplating lines for copper, nickel, gold, tin, or other metal finishes.
• Set up plating parameters such as current density, voltage, temperature, agitation, and chemical concentrations.
• Perform routine chemical titrations and solution analyses to maintain proper bath chemistry.
• Add chemicals, adjust concentrations, and document all bath maintenance activities.
• Inspect panels before and after plating for defects such as uneven deposition, nodules, voids, or contamination.
• Measure plating thickness using XRF or other approved measurement tools to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Load and unload panels onto plating racks, clamps, or automated conveyor systems.
• Maintain plating equipment, including anodes, filters, pumps, and rectifiers, to ensure stable operation.
• Follow job travelers, process sheets, and engineering documentation for each production run.
• Record process data, plating parameters, and inspection results accurately in production logs or MES systems.
• Identify and report process deviations, equipment malfunctions, or recurring defects to engineering or supervision.
• Handle chemicals safely and follow all PPE, ventilation, and hazardous‑material procedures.
• Keep the plating area clean, organized, and compliant with 5S or facility standards.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to plating quality, yield, and process efficiency
• Support cross‑training efforts and carry out other tasks assigned by the supervisor to meet production needs.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic computer skills for operating machine controls.
• Preferably experience operating imaging equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Preferably with a good understanding of PCB manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents and work instructions.
• Excellent attention to detail and quality control skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adhere to safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment based on OSHA and company policies. Able to lift up to 35 lb. Occasionally, above-the-shoulder lifting.
• <20 lb. when reaching, or precision placement is required
• Understanding of English is a Plus.