Metal Plater/Line Operator - 1st Shift

Metal Plater | Line Operator | Electroplating Technician | Manufacturing Production TechnicianLocation: Nico Products - Minneapolis MNShift: 1st Shift | Monday-Thursday | 5:00 AM-3:00 PM + Overtime as Needed (4-Day Work Week)Pay: Starting at $26.00/hour (DOQ)Signing Bonus: $3,000.00 (New hires only. Current employees are not eligible.)Learn a Skilled Trade. Build a Long-Term Career.Most people have never heard of the metal finishing industry before joining us—and that's okay.Metal finishing and electroplating are critical to the products people rely on every day, including medical devices, aerospace components, defense equipment, industrial machinery, tools, and hardware.Our trade isn't taught in schools—we'll teach you.Training includes both hands-on instruction and online coursework covering plating processes, metals, chemistry, quality standards, and industry best practices.What we can't teach is reliability, work ethic, initiative, and the desire to continuously learn. If you're dependable, enjoy hands-on work, and are looking for a long-term career rather than just another job, we'd encourage you to apply.Before You ApplyPlease apply only if the following describes you:You enjoy hands-on work and staying busy throughout the day.You can follow detailed written instructions and established procedures.You have dependable attendance and understand that production depends on employees showing up every day and on time.You take pride in producing quality work and paying attention to detail.You're comfortable working around manufacturing equipment, chemicals, and industrial processes.You're willing to learn new skills through both hands-on training and structured coursework.You're comfortable working in an active manufacturing environment that includes heat, humidity, dust, noise, and chemicals.You understand that personal mobile devices are secured during working hours and may only be accessed during scheduled breaks in designated areas due to customer and security requirements.You are available to participate in an in-person interview in Minnesota. We do not conduct virtual interviews. If you currently live outside Minnesota, you should have definite relocation plans before applying. You'll have an opportunity to explain your plans in the application questions.Position SummaryMetal Platers (also known as Line Operators or Electroplating Technicians) operate and monitor production lines that apply protective and functional coatings to customer parts.This position is responsible for processing customer parts according to detailed work instructions while maintaining strict quality, safety, and production standards.Every part you process directly supports customers in the medical, aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing industries, where precision and consistency matter.No previous plating experience is required—we'll provide the training.Essential ResponsibilitiesSet up, monitor, and operate electroplating lines according to customer specifications.Process customer parts for required plating times using established procedures.Monitor plating baths, production equipment, and process controls.Verify proper racking before processing parts.Inspect completed work for quality, defects, and compliance with specifications.Complete production paperwork and electronic records accurately.Follow all safety procedures and properly use required PPE.Identify and report equipment or process concerns.Maintain clean, organized work areas.Work independently while meeting established production and quality expectations.Assist with continuous improvement initiatives.Perform other duties as assigned.What Makes Someone Successful HereThe people who excel in this position are dependable, safety-conscious, and enjoy producing quality work. Successful candidates typically:Follow written instructions carefully.Stay focused while managing multiple production tasks.Pay close attention to detail.Take pride in producing consistent, quality results.Learn new processes quickly.Work safely around industrial equipment and chemicals.Work well independently and as part of a team.Maintain dependable attendance.QualificationsRequiredHigh School Diploma or GED preferred.Manufacturing experience is helpful but not required—we will train the right candidate.Ability to follow written instructions and established procedures.Basic math skills.Ability to read an analog clock and tape measure.Comfortable using computers, tablets, and production software.Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.Dependable attendance.Ability to work safely around industrial equipment and chemicals.Must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise authorized to work in the United States, as required for certain customer and government-related work.PreferredPrevious plating, manufacturing, machine operation, or production experience.Forklift experience.Interest in obtaining CEF/NASF industry certifications.Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment.Benefits OfferedMedical & InsuranceTwo medical plan options, including one with a $0/week employee-only premiumDental InsuranceVision InsuranceLife InsuranceLong-Term DisabilityFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Pet InsuranceEmployer-paid NICE Healthcare & Virtual CareFinancial BenefitsQuarterly Profit SharingAttendance Rewards401(k) with Company ContributionEmployee Referral Bonus ProgramPaid Time OffPaid HolidaysPaid Time Off (PTO)Minnesota Earned Sick & Safe Time (ESST)Paid Work Anniversary DayAdditional BenefitsCompany UniformsSafety Boot ProgramPrescription Safety GlassesLegal InsuranceIdentity Theft ProtectionOngoing TrainingCareer Advancement OpportunitiesWhy Join Nico Products?Most people begin their careers here knowing little or nothing about metal finishing. That's expected.What matters is your willingness to learn, your reliability, and your commitment to producing quality work.As your knowledge and experience grow, opportunities become available throughout the company, including Lead, Trainer, Maintenance, Chemical Lab, Wastewater Treatment, Quality, Shipping, Supervision, and other specialized roles.We're committed to helping employees build long-term careers—not just fill positions.Application & Interview ProcessUpload your current resume and thoughtfully answer the application questions. Your responses help us better understand your communication skills, work habits, and overall fit for the position.Selected applicants will be contacted by text message and/or email to schedule an interview and communicate throughout the hiring process. Because many applicants don't answer calls from unfamiliar numbers and emails may be overlooked, text messaging is our preferred method of communication for faster updates and scheduling. Text messages are used only for hiring-related communication, and applicants may opt out at any time.As part of the interview process, applicants must successfully complete a basic math assessment (10-