Laboratory Technician

Company Description

American Electro Products (AEP) is an industrial electroplating company headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut, providing precious and non-precious metal plating services to industries such as aerospace, electronics, AI, automotive, DOD and medical. The company has been in operation since 1950 and employs over 150 specialized staff, serving a wide range of customers with high-quality plating solutions.

Role Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Lab Technician to support our electroplating operations specializing in both barrel plating and reel-to-reel plating processes. The ideal candidate will assist in maintaining plating bath chemistry, performing laboratory analysis, monitoring process controls, and supporting quality assurance activities for both precious metal and non-precious metal plating applications. This role is critical to ensuring product quality, process stability, and compliance with customer and industry specifications.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory & Chemical Analysis

• Perform routine chemical analysis and titrations on plating baths and process solutions.
• Monitor and maintain chemistry for electroplating lines
• Prepare and maintain chemical solutions, additives, and laboratory reagents.
• Record analytical data accurately and maintain laboratory logs and reports.
• Assist in troubleshooting plating defects.

Production Support

• Support both barrel plating and continuous reel-to-reel plating operations.
• Conduct process checks to ensure plating baths remain within operational specifications.
• Assist production personnel with process adjustments and corrective actions.
• Collect samples from production lines for testing and quality verification.

Quality Control

• Perform thickness testing, pH testing, conductivity measurements, and other QC evaluations.
• Support inspection and verification of plated components to customer specifications.
• Maintain calibration of laboratory instruments and testing equipment.
• Assist with ISO, customer, and internal quality documentation requirements.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all environmental, health, and safety procedures regarding chemical handling and hazardous materials.
• Properly store, label, and dispose of chemicals and laboratory waste.
• Maintain clean and organized laboratory and chemical storage areas.

Qualifications

Experience

• 3-5+ years of laboratory or electroplating experience preferred.
• Experience with precious metal plating processes is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with barrel plating and reel-to-reel plating operations preferred.
• Equivalent industry experience will be considered.

Skills & Knowledge

• Basic understanding of electrochemistry and plating processes.
• Ability to perform chemical titrations and analytical testing.
• Strong attention to detail and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to read and follow technical procedures and specifications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and basic computer systems.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or technical certification in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, Industrial Technology, or other related field.
• Experience with XRF thickness testing equipment.
• Knowledge of ASTM, IPC, or MIL plating standards.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with wastewater treatment or environmental compliance practices.