Plating Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description Are you a visionary engineer ready to push the boundaries of technology and make a meaningful impact on the defense industry? Look no further than BAE Systems, a leading innovator in defense products and services. We're seeking a highly motivated and experienced Plating Manufacturing Engineer to join our dynamic team in Louisville and help shape the future of defense technology.

Unlock Your Potential in a Challenging and Rewarding Role As a Plating Manufacturing Engineer at BAE Systems, you'll play a critical role in supporting the plating operations and production of highly technical naval gun components. Enjoy a unique work-life balance with our 9/80 schedule, which includes every other Friday off.

Your Mission: The Plating Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for the monitoring, sustaining, and supporting day-to-day plating processes and programs in the Plate Shop, including developing and delivering strategies to improve and optimize electroplating processes; developing and implementing practices or methodologies which reduce cost and improve operational efficiency; analyzing data and creating reports; conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective action; developing and implementing procedures for transitioning new products in the manufacturing line; and reviewing, updating, and maintaining all work instructions and other procedural documents.

As a Plating Manufacturing Engineer, you will

• Monitor, sustain, and support day-to-day plating manufacturing processes, programs, and activities in the Plate Shop, including techniques such as electroplating, electroless plating, and anodizing different material types.
• Ensure process reliability by providing technical leadership and support to bargaining unit plate technicians, operations supervisors, and other engineers.
• Create and maintain process specifications, manufacturing routings, work instructions, and supporting documentation.
• Create, maintain, and optimize chemical tanks and plating baths in compliance with internal safety standards and external regulations. Adheres to all safety policies and promotes a cultural of safety amongst manufacturing employees.
• Perform and lead laboratory testing to perform analysis on cleaning, coating and plating baths and assure the quality thereof.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for plating processes focused on quality, yield, cost reduction, and process robustness. Conduct root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in the design, development, and optimization of precision plating processes, including equipment selection, tooling, fixtures, and process parameters.
• Estimate cycle times, labor requirements, and process costs for Basis of Estimate (BOE) proposals. Implement procedures for transitioning new products in the manufacturing line.
• Lead and participate in cross‑functional projects, serving as the plating subject‑matter expert.
• This role requires regular presence in a manufacturing or fabrication environment. The incumbent must be able to access and safely navigate production areas which may include climbing, kneeling, stooping, and working in confined spaces. Must also be able to comply with all requirements including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with company policy. Required Education, Experience, & Skills
• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or closely related field.
• 4 years experience to include 3 years of hands-on experience working in a laboratory or manufacturing engineering role.
• Thorough understanding of the chemical and physical principles underlying the plating processes, enabling the appropriate selection of materials and methods tailored to specific applications.
• Must be able to identify color changes in chemical indicators for proper end point determination in volumetric titrations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• We may consider candidates with fewer years experience for a more junior position or additional years of plating experience for a more senior role. Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
• Experience with plating processes including manganese phosphate, chromate conversion coating, aluminum anodizing, tin plating, black oxide, zinc plating, hard chrome plating, or brush plate.
• Experience with metal finishing processes and working knowledge of different metal alloys and how the cleaning and plating/coating processes affect them.
• Experience in a lab setting for performing analysis on cleaning, coating and plating baths.
• Experience in precision manufacturing or high‑reliability components.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
• Project management experience, including leading cross‑functional initiatives.
• Experience with wastewater treatment and environmental compliance in metal finishing operations.
• Able to use critical thinking to resolve issues, conduct root cause analysis, and make recommendations for process improvements. #LI-Onsite #LI-JR1

Pay Information Full-Time Salary Range: $88189 - $149922

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics. About BAE Systems Platforms & Services BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repair…just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.