Plating Process Development Engineer

Description Position at Samtec, Inc JOB TITLE: Plating Process Development Engineer

LOCATION: Kanagawa, Japan

Description Position at Samtec, Inc

Founded in 1976, Samtec is a leading global manufacturer of electronic interconnect solutions, generating $950 million in annual revenue. Our extensive product portfolio includes High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Optics for Mid-Board and Panel, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. Samtec Technology Centers drive innovation to optimize system performance and cost across all interconnect points, supported by a presence in 40+ international locations and products distributed in over 125 countries, ensuring exceptional customer service worldwide.

Summary/Objective

The Plating Process Development Engineer is responsible for research, development, and the integration of new plating/coating technology into Samtec production processes related to electrochemistry, plating, and other advanced/novel materials. This position will work closely with The New Ventures, Material Innovation, and Plating Process Engineering Groups to onboard new plating/coating technology.

Essential Functions/ Responsibilities.

• Design and execute experiments related to novel materials and manufacturing processes in electrochemical deposition.
• Characterize deposited microstructures and coordinate internal/external analytical laboratory projects and efforts.
• Execute laboratory projects for the Materials Innovations Group and the Plating Process Engineering Teams.
• Support the research, development and implementation of new materials/technologies and the troubleshooting of plating quality issues.
• Work with chemical and equipment suppliers to introduce new plating processes and analysis methods.
• Integrate/transition novel plating technologies into Samtec’s production processes and products.
• Facilitate new plating technologies through product testing and production processes qualifications.
• Maintain lab procedure documents, ensuring they are updated, meeting all requirements for safety and environmental standards.
• The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general guideline for this position. Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities.

“The responsibilities as defined are intended to serve as a general guideline for this position. Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities.”

Required Experience And Education

• Scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, elemental and chemical spectroscopic experience.
• Essential functions of the job include the ability to stand, lift, and walk on a continual basis.
• Must be willing to work in a chemical environment.
• Must be able to work with heavy drums of chemicals with a drum dolly.
• Facilitate new plating technologies through product testing and production processes qualifications.
• Must be a self-starter with strong teamwork skills.
• Must be able to work independently and learn quickly.
• Good communication skills both written and verbal.

Preferred Experience And Education

• Master’s Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or other relevant Technical or Science related Degree with a minimum of 5 years of laboratory experience in chemical and/or electroplating environments.
• Or, Ph.D. Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or other relevant Technical or Science related Degree with a minimum of 2 years of laboratory experience in chemical and/or electroplating environments.
• Training in Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Statistical Process Control, and Six Sigma .
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of analytical equipment.
• Experience can supplement or replace educational preferences/requirements.
• Willingness to work in a chemical environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Understanding of Japanese culture and ability to communicate in Japanese.
• Ability to build good relationships with stakeholders such as Japanese suppliers and vendors.
• Resident of Japan.
• Foreign nationals must have a work visa for Japan.

Preferred Skills ・Experience in the connector manufacturing industry or similar industries, with the ability to contribute immediately.

・Experience in Lean manufacturing, statistical process control, and Six Sigma training.

Language Skills

・Japanese: Beginner, Intermediate, Business, Native. English: Intermediate or above.

• Japan Office operates in Japanese, but English is used for most business communications.

Core Competencies

• Project Leadership Experience: Leadership skills are required to work with engineers worldwide, including the ability to openly share opinions and take proactive action.
• Self-Starter: The ability to take initiative, act proactively, and manage tasks independently is necessary.
• Teamwork: Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are required to work with team members worldwide. The ability to safely and accurately share ideas, results, and technical knowledge through teamwork is essential.

Employment type

Permanent employee.

Probationary period 3 months (no change in conditions during probationary period).

Work Locations

Samtec Japan LLC

Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa

5-minute walk from Shin-Yokohama Station on the Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line, Tokyu Line, Shinkansen, Yokohama Line, and Subway Blue Line

Smoking Policy: No smoking. Smoking area available in the building.

Work Hours

9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (1-hour break) .

FLEX System.

Average monthly overtime: 10 hours or less.

• Global meetings may occur 1-2 times per month during evening hours.

Salary

Determined based on previous employment and experience.

(Monthly salary includes a fixed overtime allowance for 20 hours)

Bonus: Three times a year.

Salary review system (once a year).

Annual holidays

125 days.

Includes Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, 4 days of summer vacation, and 4 days of New Year's vacation.

Paid leave

10–20 days.

(10 days granted after 6 months of employment)

Welfare

Health insurance, welfare pension, employment insurance, retirement allowance system (applicable after 3 years of service).

Transportation expenses up to 30,000 yen reimbursed.

Language skills improvement support.

Job Requirements

Location: Japan (applicants must currently reside in Japan)

Relocation/Housing Allowance: Not provided

Visa Support: Not available (applicants must hold a valid work visa and be eligible to work in Japan)

Process

• Document screening.
• 2–3 interviews (offline, online) *At least one online interview will be conducted in English.
• Aptitude test (KOLBE).

Samtec Japan LLC has a total of 23 employees, including an engineering team, a sales team, and customer service, administrative, and laboratory staff.

You will have frequent communication with overseas locations and work in a global environment.

In addition, we have introduced remote work and flex-work, prioritizing work-life balance and creating a comfortable work environment.

SAMTEC, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to creating a diverse environment. All employment decisions at Samtec are based in business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity/expression, marital status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

SAMTEC, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to creating a diverse environment. All employment decisions at Samtec are based in business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity/expression, marital status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws. Privacy Policy: https://www.samtec.com/about/legal/#privacyrightspage