Line Operator - Electroless Nickel Plating

Pioneer Metal Finishing Jobs•South Bend, IN

About The Position

Pioneer Metal Finishing is hiring a Line Operator for electroless nickel plating. The Line Operator coordinates process baths and materials to produce high-quality products, working with supervisors, team leads, other operators, and Quality to prioritize work, use tank capacity efficiently, and meet production schedules. The role oversees process-line activity and includes training material handlers and new line operators. This is a safety-sensitive position. The operator inspects loads before pickup, confirms a processing program is available, moves raw aluminum parts through chemical finishing tanks according to specifications, and ensures products meet program and quality requirements. The operator monitors tank conditions, makes additions and filter changes as required, participates in tank maintenance, responds to alarms, documents process information, and reports equipment or product issues. The position also requires effective shift handoffs, maintaining clean and orderly work areas, and following safety procedures. The schedule is 3rd shift, 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday, with occasional Fridays and Saturdays as needed. Entry-level applicants are welcome, and prior manufacturing experience is not required. Prior chemical processing or plating experience may qualify for higher pay.

Requirements

Ability to read and understand work orders and safety instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively in English.
Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
Ability to lift 30–50 pounds unassisted.
Ability to differentiate between color variances.
Ability to work safely around sharp parts and tooling, heavy carts, process chemicals, potential splashes, heat, and compressed air, and to use hearing protection as required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with chemical processing or plating; higher wage is offered with this experience.
Prior manufacturing experience is welcome but not required.

Responsibilities

Inspect loads before pickup for identification, tooling, security, height, and depth location.
Coordinate loads with the Team Lead or Shift Supervisor to use available tank time efficiently.
Ensure a processing program is available before processing loads and contact the Team Lead or Supervisor if one is not available.
Process raw aluminum parts through chemical finishing tanks according to precise specifications and communicate with process technicians, supervisors, leads, and other operators.
Run multiple lines where applicable.
Work with others to maintain consistent processing from load to load and shift to shift.
Ensure products are processed according to the program and meet applicable standards and specifications.
Identify and escalate problems with raw product, including excessive oil, deep or blind holes, air-pocket areas, corrosion, and galvanic issues; recommend process adjustments as needed to meet specifications.
Participate in tank maintenance activities.
Reject loads that do not meet standard processing requirements.
Monitor pH and solution levels in applicable tanks, make additions according to checklists and procedures, notify the lab about non-conforming tanks, and change filters when required.
Respond to alarms and follow applicable protocols; monitor the waste treatment system when applicable.
Operate rectifiers, pumps, and cranes; understand equipment setup, calibrations, and basic troubleshooting for equipment, data tracks, and controllers.
Document and maintain accurate run-sheet information, including temperatures, loads, and voltages.
Provide shift handoffs to support consistency between shifts.
Keep work areas and equipment clean, safe, and orderly.
Clean contact pads on work bars and tanks to ensure full electrical contact through loads.
Report equipment problems immediately through the designated procedure.
Escalate tooling issues and improvement ideas through the facility process.
Train material handlers and new line operators.

Benefits

Next-Day Pay, with access to daily pay the next day.
Quarterly incentive program based on hours worked and business results.
Paid company holidays.
Shift differentials for 2nd and 3rd shift.
Employee Assistance Program.
Wellness Program.
On-the-job training and advancement opportunities.
Employee recognition and rewards program and recognition events.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible full-time employees.
Paid Time Off: 80 hours earned in the first year for eligible full-time employees.
Access to Garner Incentive or a Health Savings Account up to $3,000 annually for eligible full-time employees.
401(k) plan with company match of up to 2% of bi-weekly contribution for eligible full-time employees.
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible full-time employees.
Company-paid life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance for eligible full-time employees.
Tuition reimbursement.
Optional employee-purchase benefits including life insurance, critical illness, voluntary accident, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage.
LiveHealth Online virtual doctor visits.
Reimbursement programs for safety shoes and prescription safety glasses.