Aviation Plating Shop Technician – Production (Technical Workshop)

Kenya Airways PLC is an airline founded in 1950 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, providing air transport services.

The primary objective of this position is to execute electroplating and various surface treatment procedures on aircraft components. This includes ensuring that all processes comply with approved maintenance guidelines and aviation industry standards, thereby maintaining airworthiness, providing corrosion protection, and restoring component dimensions as required.

1. Perform electroplating operations, such as cadmium, nickel, and chrome plating, on metallic components according to engineering specifications and maintenance manuals.
2. Prepare components for plating by thoroughly cleaning, degreasing, masking, and surface finishing them.
3. Operate and maintain plating tanks, rectifiers, and manage solution chemistry, ensuring precise control over voltage, current, and immersion times.
4. Monitor and adjust the composition and parameters of plating baths, including pH, temperature, and concentration, to uphold plating quality.
5. Conduct anodizing, passivation, chemical etching, and conversion coating processes (e.g., Alodine) as necessary.
6. Interpret technical drawings, repair schemes, and various specifications, such as AMS, MIL, and OEM standards.
7. Document all work meticulously in job cards, plating logs, and component history records, in compliance with regulatory requirements.
8. Perform visual and dimensional inspections both before and after plating, utilizing tools like gauges, micrometers, or non-destructive testing (NDT) if qualified.
9. Adhere strictly to safety, health, and environmental protocols, particularly concerning the handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
10. Assist with bath maintenance, waste treatment, and routine chemical testing, including titration and specific gravity measurements.

1. Diploma in Electroplating, Applied Sciences, Aircraft Maintenance, or Mechanical Engineering.
2. Minimum of 3 years of experience in an aerospace plating or surface finishing environment.
3. Skilled in bath control and maintaining solution chemistry.
4. Familiarity with corrosion prevention and rework standards.
5. Precision and strong attention to detail.
6. High safety consciousness and correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
7. Good documentation and communication abilities.
8. Aircraft maintenance license (advantageous but not mandatory); relevant CNC/machining certifications.
9. NASF (National Association for Surface Finishing) training, such as CEF (Certified Electroplater Finisher).
10. Safety or HazMat handling certifications.
11. Awareness of EASA or military aviation plating requirements.
12. Familiarity with specifications like AMS 2404 (Nickel Plating), AMS 2401 (Cadmium), MIL-DTL-5541 (Conversion Coating), etc.
13. Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO/IEC17025 / AS9100 quality systems.
14. In-depth knowledge of electrochemical plating processes and principles (e.g., anode/cathode relationships, current density, voltage control).
15. Familiarity with immersion time calculations and thickness control.
16. Ability to handle both functional and decorative plating processes.
17. Skilled in post-plating operations, including hydrogen embrittlement relief (baking), passivation, chromate conversion, or painting.
18. Understanding of aviation materials and surface treatment requirements.
19. Ability to follow OEM Component Maintenance Manuals (CMMs) and technical specifications.