Chemist at ITT Micro-Mode Products Inc – El Cajon, California

Chemist

US-CA-El Cajon

Job ID: 2026-15812
Type: Employee
# of Openings: 1
Category: Engineering/R&D
US-CA-El Cajon-3026

Overview

The Chemist in the Electroplating Laboratory is responsible for supporting production plating operations through analytical testing, chemical bath maintenance, process control, and technical troubleshooting at our El Cajon, CA facility. This role ensures that all electroplating processes operate within specified parameters to meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. The chemist will work closely with production teams, quality engineers, and environmental health & safety personnel to maintain consistent plating performance, optimize chemical processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

1. Chemical Analysis & Process Control

Perform routine wet chemistry and instrumental analyses (e.g., titrations, pH, specific gravity, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy) on plating baths and process chemicals.

Monitor and maintain chemical concentrations within defined control limits.

Record, interpret, and report analytical results and recommend chemical additions or corrective actions.

Ensure plating bath integrity by tracking contaminants, decomposition products, and additive consumption.

2. Laboratory Operations

Prepare chemical reagents, standards, and solutions following proper laboratory procedures.

Maintain accurate laboratory records, logs, and documentation in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.

Ensure the lab meets housekeeping, chemical storage, and safety standards.

3. Production & Quality Support

Assist production plating lines by identifying process issues and recommending corrective actions.

Support troubleshooting of plating defects such as poor adhesion, pitting, discoloration, or irregular deposit thickness.

Work with Quality and Engineering to perform root cause analysis for process nonconformances.

Participate in validation trials, process improvement studies, and new chemical/product evaluations.

4. Environmental, Health & Safety Compliance

Handle chemicals according to safety protocols and SDS requirements.

Maintain compliance with environmental regulations related to hazardous materials within electroplating operations.

Assist with safety audits, chemical inventory management, and hazard communication updates.

5. Continuous Improvement & Technical Support

Evaluate new chemical products, additives, and process technologies to improve quality, throughput, and cost efficiency.

Optimize plating bath life through preventive maintenance and monitoring programs.

Train production personnel on chemical handling, solution maintenance, and process control procedures.

Document process changes and support implementation of best practices.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Understanding of electrochemical principles, plating bath chemistry, and metal finishing processes.

Familiarity with common electroplating chemistries (nickel, chromium, zinc, gold, copper, etc.).

Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, SDS, and process documentation.

Strong problem-solving, analytical, and criticalthinking skills.

Proficiency with laboratory instruments and basic statistical analysis.

Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with production and engineering teams.

Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Ability to work in a manufacturing environment around chemicals, plating tanks, and production equipment.

Use of PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators, etc.) as required.

Ability to lift containers up to 25–50 lbs and stand for extended periods during lab work.