Graduate Engineer Trainee, R&D/Product
Newtrace
About the Role
We are looking for a passionate and technically driven Graduate Engineer Trainee – R&D/Product to join our team. This is an engineering-focused role involving process development, experimentation, testing, data analysis, and continuous improvement rather than routine electroplating equipment operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the development, optimisation, and standardisation of electroplating processes for metal substrates and electrodes.
- Support electroplating experiments by evaluating plating parameters such as current density, voltage, temperature, plating time, and bath composition.
- Set up and operate the electroplating pilot line according to specifications and work orders.
- Inspect plated products for quality, uniformity, and adherence to specifications.
- Perform maintenance and cleaning of electroplating equipment and work area.
- Study and analyze the effect of process parameters on coating thickness, uniformity, adhesion, surface finish, and overall coating quality.
- Assist in the preparation, surface treatment, and characterisation of metal substrates for electroplating applications.
- Conduct experiments and support the evaluation of electrochemical properties and performance of plated electrodes.
- Monitor plating bath chemistry and support analysis of chemical concentrations, bath stability, and process performance.
- Identify process variations, coating defects, and quality-related issues, and assist in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to improve coating consistency, process efficiency, and electrode performance.
- Support the fabrication, characterisation, and testing of electroplated electrodes for electrolyzer applications.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental and process data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Prepare technical reports, maintain experimental records, and contribute to the documentation of process parameters, SOPs, and test results.
- Follow laboratory and manufacturing safety protocols, including safe handling of chemicals, plating solutions, and electroplating equipment.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process reliability, quality, and cost efficiency.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Educational Qualification: MSc/BSc Chemistry, BE/BTech in Chemical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Strong fundamental understanding of electroplating processes, electrochemistry, and surface treatment techniques.
- Knowledge of electroplating parameters, including current density, voltage, plating bath composition, temperature, and deposition time.
- Understanding of different metals, plating solutions, and their impact on coating properties.
- Familiarity with coating quality parameters such as thickness, adhesion, uniformity, and surface finish.
- Basic understanding of electrochemical reactions and electrodeposition principles.
- Ability to conduct experiments, operate pilot production lines, interpret technical data, and document findings.
- Awareness of chemical handling, laboratory safety practices, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
- Academic project, internship, or industrial exposure to electroplating, electrodeposition, electrochemical processes, or surface coating technologies.
- Understanding of plating bath chemistry, chemical concentrations, and process control.
- Familiarity with coating defects, troubleshooting methods, and root cause analysis.
- Basic knowledge of material characterisation and coating evaluation techniques.
- Exposure to wet chemistry experiments and electrochemical testing.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and process documentation.
- Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.
- Exposure to electroplated electrodes, electrocatalysts, or electrolyzer-related applications is a plus.
- Familiarity with electrochemical testing and characterisation methods is a plus.
- Understanding of process optimisation, experimental design, and continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
- Interest in green hydrogen, advanced materials, and electrochemical technologies is a plus.
- Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced startup environment with opportunities for hands-on learning and technical development is a plus.


















