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

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

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

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

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

Experience

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

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

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