Chemical Engineer/Lab Manager Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Plainville Plating Company, Inc. is a trusted aerospace finishing partner and a Pratt & Whitney captive supplier, specializing in precision electroplating and surface finishing. We are Nadcap-accredited and committed to the highest standards of quality, compliance, and technical excellence. As we continue to strengthen our laboratory operations, we are seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead our in-house analytical lab and uphold the integrity of our chemical processes.

Position Summary:
The Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our internal chemical laboratory, ensuring compliance with Nadcap, customer, and internal specifications. This role is critical to maintaining process control, supporting production, and ensuring audit readiness. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in aerospace plating chemistry, a deep understanding of analytical methods, and a proactive approach to quality and documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations of the captive laboratory supporting electroplating, anodizing, and chemical processing lines
• Perform and oversee wet chemistry analysis (e.g., titrations, pH, conductivity, gravimetric and colorimetric methods) per AMS, ASTM, and customer specs
• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment; ensure traceability and documentation of all measurements
• Interpret results, issue corrective actions, and communicate findings to production and quality teams
• Maintain compliance with Nadcap, ISO 17025 (as applicable), and Pratt & Whitney PS and PWA specifications
• Prepare for and support internal, customer, and third-party audits
• Manage chemical inventory, SDS documentation, and waste stream tracking in accordance with EH&S requirements
• Train and supervise lab technicians; develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams on process improvements and root cause investigations

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a chemical laboratory, with at least 2 years in aerospace or metal finishing
• Strong working knowledge of Nadcap and related aerospace specs
• Experience with Pratt & Whitney captive lab protocols and documentation preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel 
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A culture of integrity, precision, and continuous improvement
• Direct impact on aerospace quality and compliance
• Opportunity to lead a critical function in a high-performance team