Plating & Wastewater Lab Technician

SSW Advanced Technologies; Newport (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

American Appliance Products, LLC in Newport, TN is seeking a detail-oriented Wastewater & Plating Lab Technician to support electroplating operations and environmental systems. You will perform chemical analysis, monitor wastewater compliance, and ensure process control across plating lines and lab operations.

This role involves hands-on testing, titrations, Hull cell validation, chemical handling, and maintaining accurate lab records to support regulatory standards and production reliability.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• High School Diploma with strong relevant experience.
• Electroplating or metal finishing processes experience.
• Wastewater treatment systems and environmental compliance.
• Laboratory testing and chemical handling.
• Industrial manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical analysis on plating baths (zinc, nickel, phosphating).
• Conduct titrations and accurately log chemical additions.
• Perform pH, heavy metals, and process control testing.
• Conduct Hull cell testing to validate plating quality.
• Prepare and manage chemical solutions and reagents.
• Maintain laboratory chemical inventory and support ordering.
• Document and maintain accurate lab records and reports.
• Add nickel, acids, caustics, and other process chemicals to tanks.
• Inspect washers, plating lines, and spray nozzles.
• Maintain proper flow, filtration, and chemical balance in systems.
• Perform routine hourly walk-throughs to verify pumps, flow, and tank conditions.
• Retrieve parts from tanks when required ("fishing").
• Change filters and support equipment reliability.
• Maintain proper tank levels, including polymer tanks.
• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment and pretreatment systems.
• Maintain proper pH levels (e.g., 9-10 range) and adjust dosing as needed.
• Conduct sampling, preservation, and analysis for regulatory compliance.
• Monitor and maintain sludge handling systems, filter press operations, pumps, tanks, probes, and controllers.
• Ensure continuous operation of filter press and waste systems.
• Perform scheduled tank dumping and maintain proper logs.
• Support heavy metal removal and treatment processes.
• Perform daily inspections of pumps, filters, probes, and tanks.
• Support and execute preventive maintenance programs.
• Troubleshoot alarms and system performance issues.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams on repairs and improvements.
• Assist with mechanical adjustments and minor repairs.
• Support multi-stage pretreatment system operations.
• Maintain detailed records of chemical usage, tank dumps, discharge levels, and daily plant readings.
• Ensure compliance with EPA standards and NPDES permit requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and inspections.
• Follow SOPs, work instructions, and Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.

Skills

Chemical analysis

Titrations

pH testing

Hull cell testing

Inventory management

Documentation

Process control

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

High School Diploma with strong relevant experience

Job description

American Appliance Products, LLC in Newport, TN is seeking a detail-oriented Wastewater & Plating Lab Technician to support electroplating operations and environmental systems. You will perform chemical analysis, monitor wastewater compliance, and ensure process control across plating lines and lab operations.

This role involves hands-on testing, titrations, Hull cell validation, chemical handling, and maintaining accurate lab records to support regulatory standards and production reliability.