Plating Cell Lead 

Eldridge, IA – Direct Hire

Productive Resources (www.productiveresources.com) is seeking a candidate to be part of our customer’s team at their facility in Eldridge, IA. As a member of the team, the selected candidate will be a Plating Cell Lead who is responsible for overseeing daily operations within a high-performance electroplating cell supporting aerospace and defense manufacturing. This role ensures production targets, quality standards, and safety requirements are met while providing leadership, technical expertise, and regulatory compliance across all plating operations. The Plating Cell Lead works closely with Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to optimize performance, maintain NADCAP and AS9100 compliance, and drive continuous improvement.

This is a direct hire position for our customers with the opportunity of professional growth, and additional opportunities within their organization. 

Duties:

• Direct daily electroplating operations include scheduling, work assignments, and production flow.
• Ensure compliance with NADCAP, AS9100, and customer specifications.
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency, consistency, and cost effectiveness.
• Lead production meetings and ensure on-time delivery of plated components.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for hard chrome plating and surface finishing processes.
• Oversee bath chemistry, surface preparation, metal deposition, and plating cycles.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce plating procedures and work instructions.
• Lead troubleshooting, defect resolution, and root cause analysis.
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local environmental and safety regulations.
• Prepare chemical batches and safely replace and maintain plating solutions.
• Monitor ventilation systems, air quality, and filtration systems.
• Enforce PPE usage and conduct safety audits, inspections, and incident investigations.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering to ensure all plated parts meet aerospace and defense specifications.
• Train and use precision measuring tools such as micrometers and gauges.
• Support NADCAP audits, AS9100 compliance, and customer inspections.
• Maintain full traceability, documentation, and process records.
• Train, mentor, and develop plating technicians and operators.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, train, evaluate, and discipline direct reports in alignment with company policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Operations Manager.
• Schedule, assign, and direct the work of plating personnel.
• Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, coach, and discipline team members.
• Enforce safety, quality, and production standards.

Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum 5 years of experience in electroplating, hard chrome plating, or surface finishing.
• Strong knowledge of plating chemistry, bath maintenance, and process control.
• Experience with NADCAP, AS9100, and aerospace quality systems.
• Proven experience with LOTO, chemical handling, PPE, and industrial safety practices.
• Ability to read and follow blueprints, plating specifications, and thickness requirements.
• Knowledge of ventilation systems, air monitoring, and environmental compliance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to lead teams and manage production priorities.
• Familiarity with modern manufacturing technology, software, and best practices.
• Must successfully pass a background check, drug screen, and job physical

Preferred:

• OSHA 30-hour (or equivalent).
• First Aid / CPR.
• NADCAP special process auditor or equivalent experience.
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing.
• Environmental compliance certifications (RCRA, HAZWOPER).
• Chemical handling certification.
• Passion for firearms, defense technology, and shooting sports.

Compensation & Benefits:

LMT offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and excellent growth opportunities.

If you are the right person, if you have the expertise we need, submit your resume now!