Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Zinc Plating (Main Focus – Barrel Plating)

• Operate zinc barrel plating systems for high-volume orders, including part loading, plating, passivation, rinsing, and unloading.
• Handle occasional rack plating orders, setting up fixtures, masking parts when necessary, and ensuring proper current distribution.
• Monitor plating baths by checking chemistry and solution levels, reporting issues or contamination concerns to supervisors.
• Adjust current, time, and bath parameters under guidance to achieve required thickness and finish.
• Conduct plating thickness and quality checks using calipers, micrometers, and electronic gauges.
• Maintain accurate job documentation, including traveler sheets, inspection logs, and chemical records.
• Perform routine care and basic maintenance of barrels, racks, tanks, and hoists.
• Keep the zinc plating area organized, safe, and compliant with all PPE and chemical handling procedures.

Hard Chrome (Secondary Responsibility)

• Assist with hard chrome plating operations as needed, including part preparation, masking, fixturing, plating, and inspection.
• Support tank setup, bath monitoring, and troubleshooting under supervisor guidance.
• Help identify plating defects and participate in corrective action efforts.

General Responsibilities

• Follow all health, safety, and environmental standards, including WHMIS, SDS, and PPE requirements.
• Work cooperatively with machining, QA, and shipping teams to help maintain job flow.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives for plating efficiency, safety, and quality.

Growth and Advancement

This role is primarily hands-on plating work. With consistent performance, attention to detail, and leadership ability, there is opportunity to progress into a lead or supervisory position overseeing zinc and chrome plating operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Practical knowledge of zinc barrel plating operations; rack plating experience an asset.
• Familiarity with plating chemistry, operating parameters, and basic bath maintenance.
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Skilled in the use of inspection and measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and ability to recognize equipment or process issues.
• Team-oriented, reliable, and able to follow safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Experience with barrel plating systems preferred; rack plating experience an advantage.
• Forklift and overhead crane certification preferred (training may be provided).
• On-the-job training available for specific plating processes.

Working Conditions

• Industrial environment with exposure to chemicals, humidity, and high temperatures.
• Required PPE includes gloves, respirators, aprons, and safety glasses.
• Physically demanding; includes frequent lifting (up to 50 lbs), standing, bending, and repetitive handling of plated parts.
• May involve overtime, shift work, or weekends based on production needs.