Aviation Plating Shop Technician – Production (Technical Workshop) at Kenya Airways PLC

Kenya Airways PLC is seeking a qualified Aviation Plating Shop Technician to perform electroplating and surface treatment processes on aircraft components. The successful candidate will work with metallic components to support airworthiness, corrosion protection, and dimensional restoration while following approved maintenance procedures and aviation industry standards.

The position requires practical knowledge of electrochemical plating, surface preparation, bath control, chemical treatment, inspection, and technical documentation. Candidates should also understand aviation materials, relevant technical specifications, hazardous chemical handling, and quality requirements applicable to aerospace maintenance environments.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform electroplating processes such as cadmium, nickel, and chrome plating on metallic aircraft components according to engineering requirements and approved maintenance manuals.
• Prepare components through cleaning, degreasing, masking, and surface finishing before plating.
• Operate and maintain plating tanks and rectifiers while ensuring correct voltage, current, and immersion times.
• Monitor and adjust plating bath composition and operating parameters, including pH, temperature, and concentration.
• Perform anodizing, passivation, chemical etching, and conversion coating processes such as Alodine as required.
• Interpret technical drawings, repair schemes, and applicable specifications, including AMS, MIL, and OEM standards.
• Record completed work in job cards, plating logs, and component history documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct visual and dimensional inspections before and after plating.
• Use gauges, micrometers, and other appropriate inspection equipment to verify component requirements.
• Perform NDT inspections where appropriately qualified.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures when handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals.
• Assist with plating bath maintenance, waste treatment, and periodic chemical testing, including titration and specific gravity checks.
• Maintain accurate documentation and communicate relevant technical information to appropriate team members.
• Support corrosion prevention and component rework activities in accordance with approved standards.

Qualifications required:

• Diploma in Electroplating, Applied Sciences, Aircraft Maintenance, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum three years of experience in an aerospace plating or surface finishing environment.
• Minimum three years of experience in an aviation or aerospace machine shop environment.
• In-depth knowledge of electrochemical plating processes.
• Understanding of electrochemical principles, including anode and cathode relationships, current density, and voltage control.
• Knowledge of plating bath control and solution maintenance.
• Understanding of immersion time calculations and plating thickness control.
• Ability to perform functional and decorative plating processes.
• Knowledge of post-plating processes such as hydrogen embrittlement relief baking, passivation, chromate conversion, and painting.
• Understanding of aviation materials and surface treatment requirements.
• Ability to follow OEM Component Maintenance Manuals and relevant technical specifications.
• Familiarity with corrosion prevention and rework standards.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, repair schemes, and industry specifications.
• Knowledge of specifications such as AMS 2404 for nickel plating, AMS 2401 for cadmium plating, and MIL-DTL-5541 for conversion coating.
• Awareness of EASA or military aviation plating requirements.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, or AS9100 quality systems.
• Aircraft maintenance licensing is an advantage but is not mandatory.
• Relevant CNC or machining certifications are an added advantage.
• NASF training, such as Certified Electroplater Finisher (CEF), is an advantage.
• Safety or hazardous-material handling certifications are an added advantage.
• Strong attention to detail and precision.
• Strong safety awareness and proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Good documentation and communication skills.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official Kenya Airways careers platform before the advertised application deadline. Applicants should ensure that their applications clearly demonstrate their relevant technical qualifications, electroplating experience, aerospace or aviation workshop experience, and knowledge of surface treatment processes.

Kenya Airways PLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination based on characteristics protected by applicable laws. Candidates who require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact Kenya Airways for assistance.

The Aviation Plating Shop Technician position offers an opportunity for an experienced surface finishing professional to contribute to the maintenance, corrosion protection, and airworthiness of aircraft components within Kenya Airways' technical workshop operations.