Surface Treatment Executive R&D

Location:

Function:

Type:

AS9100D

Own R&D and industrialization of metal finishing processes, driving trials to stable production with robust quality, safety, and sustainability.

• Process R&D & Scale-up:

  Develop/optimize Thin Dense Chrome (AMS2438), Electroless Nickel, Anodizing (soft/hard), Manganese Phosphating, Zinc-flake, and paint/coat systems; implement pulse/IGBT rectifier parameters, agitation/filtration, masking & fixturing.

• Trials & Validation:

  Plan DOEs, create process sheets, qualify through thickness, hardness/microhardness (HV), adhesion (e.g., ASTM D3359), roughness, porosity, and corrosion tests (ASTM B117/NSS/CASS).

• Quality Systems:

  Create PFMEA, Control Plans, Work Instructions; support PPAP/APQP and customer audits. Drive SPC/Cp-Cpk on coating thickness & hardness.

• Chemistry Control:

  Maintain bath chemistry, additives, brighteners/catalysts; manage titrations, Hull cell tests, replenishment, and bath life extension.

• Equipment & Automation:

  Coordinate with maintenance on rectifiers, heaters/chillers, agitation, SCADA/PLC controls, and safety interlocks.

• Sustainability & EHS:

  Ensure compliance with ISO 14001, waste-water & sludge handling, RoHS/REACH, and safe chemical storage/PPE.

• Cross-functional:

  Work with Machining, QA, Production, Tooling, and suppliers for substrates (e.g., 42CrMo4, AlSi10Mg) and pre-treatments (blast/clean/de-smut/activate).

• Documentation & Training:

  Issue clear SOPs, train operators, and close 8D/NCs with data-backed corrective actions.

• B.Tech/B.E. in Chemical/Metallurgical/Materials/Surface Engineering (or equivalent).

• 2–6 years

  in metal finishing R&D or process engineering (shop-floor exposure preferred).
• Hands-on with at least two of:

  TDC/Hard Chrome, EN, Anodizing (hard), Phosphating, Zinc-flake, Industrial Painting.

• Familiarity with ASTM/ISO test methods, PPAP/APQP, PFMEA, MSA, SPC; comfortable with micrometers, XRF thickness gauges, microhardness testers, salt-spray cabinets.
• Working knowledge of SCADA/PLC environments and basic electrochemistry (current density, throwing power).

• Experience with

  pulse plating

  development, nodular crack-free chrome, or low-friction tribological finishes.
• Minitab (DOE/SPC), VDA 6.3 audits, NADCAP/AS9100 exposure.
• Knowledge of masking design (3D-printed/soft masks) and complex fixturing for multi-axis parts.

• First-Pass Yield of coated parts ≥ target.
• Thickness & hardness

  Cp/Cpk ≥ 1.33

  on critical features.
• Corrosion resistance meeting spec (e.g.,

  ≥ X hours NSS/CASS

  per drawing).
• ≤ target PPM rejections; on-time PPAPs and audit scores.
• Bath life, chemical consumption, and

  energy per m²

  of coating trending down.

• Opportunity to build flagship surface-treatment capabilities for global OEMs.
• Modern plant with Industry 4.0 systems and strong quality culture.
• Competitive compensation and fast growth for high performers.