Wastewater & Plating Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Wastewater & Plating Lab Technician

Location: Newport, TN
Company: American Appliance Products, LLC

American Appliance Products is seeking a detail-oriented and hands-on Wastewater & Plating Lab Technician to support our electroplating operations and environmental systems. This role is critical in ensuring chemical process control, plating quality, wastewater compliance, and overall operational reliability within our manufacturing facility.

• 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
  • Daily plant readings
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations:
  • EPA standards
  • NPDES permit requirements
• Support internal and external audits and inspections
• Follow SOPs, work instructions, and Quality Management System (QMS) requirements

• Ability to pass a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
• Work independently and with minimal supervision
• Accurately input and retrieve data using computer systems
• Maintain high safety standards and promote safe work practices
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and respect in the workplace
• Adhere to attendance, scheduling, and overtime requirements (including call-ins)
• Meet production and operational deadlines
• Follow 5S standards and continuous improvement practices

• Education:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
  • OR High School Diploma with strong relevant experience

• Preferred Experience:

  • Electroplating or metal finishing processes
  • Wastewater treatment systems and environmental compliance
  • Laboratory testing and chemical handling
  • Industrial manufacturing environment

• Work in a critical role supporting both production and environmental compliance
• Gain hands-on experience in plating chemistry, wastewater systems, and process control
• Opportunity to grow within a stable manufacturing organization