Job Title : Plating Technical Manager
Location : Columbia City, Indiana, USA
Employment Type : Full-time
Visa Requirement : Must currently hold a valid TN Visa (Canada or Mexico)
About KC Jones Plating Company
KC Jones Plating Company is a leading provider of advanced plating, coating, and surface finishing solutions serving the automotive, industrial, and energy sectors. With operations in Michigan, Indiana, and Mexico, we specialize in high-performance coatings that enhance corrosion protection, durability, and appearance. Our Columbia City facility focuses on zinc-nickel and zinc electroplating, supporting major automotive and industrial customers with high-quality, engineered finishes.
Position Summary
The Plating Technical Manager will oversee all plating and wastewater treatment (WWT) processes at the Columbia City facility. This is a hands-on technical leadership role responsible for ensuring process stability, product quality, chemical control, and environmental compliance.
The ideal candidate is an experienced plating professional with deep technical knowledge of electroplating chemistry, process troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methods.
Key Responsibilities
Plating Process Control
- Manage and optimize zinc-nickel, zinc, and other plating lines for consistent quality and efficiency.
- Monitor chemical baths, maintain control charts, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
- Coordinate with suppliers to manage chemical additions, dosing rates, and line troubleshooting.
- Support preventive maintenance and process upgrades to improve throughput and cost efficiency.
Wastewater Treatment & Environmental Compliance
Oversee daily operation of the wastewater treatment system, ensuring compliance with all environmental permits.Manage pH control, precipitation, sludge removal, and discharge sampling.Maintain records and coordinate with local authorities during inspections.Drive initiatives for waste reduction, water reuse, and sustainability.Technical & Quality Leadership
Develop and maintain plating control plans, process flow diagrams, and PFMEAs.Train operators, lab staff, and maintenance personnel on process best practices.Support PPAP and customer-specific quality documentation.Lead root cause investigations for plating defects or environmental issues.Continuous Improvement
Analyze process performance data and identify improvement opportunities.Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to implement new chemistries, tooling, or automation.Support company-wide initiatives for operational excellence and cost reduction.Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field preferred.5+ years of plating experience (zinc-nickel, zinc, or electroless nickel strongly preferred).Working knowledge of wastewater treatment operations and environmental compliance requirements.Proficient in SPC, lab analysis, and plating line troubleshooting.Hands-on leadership style with strong problem-solving skills.Excellent communication and documentation skills.Must currently hold a valid TN Visa (citizen of Canada or Mexico).Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience.Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.401(k) with company match.Paid vacation and holidays.Relocation assistance (if applicable).