Senior Scientist - Plating Technology & Surface Analysis (m/f/d)

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TE Connectivity is seeking a Senior Scientist - Plating Technology & Surface Analysis to join our Materials Engineering team in Adelberg, Germany. You will lead R&D on precious metal electrodeposition, investigate deposition mechanisms, and develop selective plating to reduce metal usage while preserving performance. You will optimize reel-to-reel plating, perform XRF, SEM/EDS, and optical microscopy analyses, and assess thickness, porosity, and microstructure, plus failure analyses and DOE-driven wear and corrosion testing. This role requires technical leadership, documentation, supplier qualification, mentoring, and NPI support. Ideal candidates hold a PhD with electrochemical and surface characterization experience, strong communication, and a proven track record in continuous improvement and cost reduction; connector familiarity is a plus.

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At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.

Job Overview

TE Connectivity is seeking a highly skilled Senior Scientist - Plating Technology & Surface Analysis (m/f/d) to join our Materials Engineering team, focusing on advanced plating processes, precious metal deposition mechanisms, and surface analysis techniques. This role will support our mission to develop innovative connector solutions through cutting-edge materials science and electrochemical processes.  

This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and analytical equipment. The role requires both independent research capabilities and structured teamwork to deliver results aligned with business objectives.

Job Requirements

 

• Lead research and development of precious metal electrodeposition processes including gold, silver, palladium, and specialty alloy systems
• Investigate deposition mechanisms and kinetics for optimized coating performance
• Develop selective plating processes to minimize precious metal usage while maintaining performance standards
• Support optimization of reel-to-reel (R2R) and loose-piece (LP) plating operations
• Conduct comprehensive surface analysis using XRF, SEM, EDS, and other advanced characterization techniques
• Analyze plating thickness, porosity, composition, and microstructure of contact finishes
• Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations on plated connector components
• Develop analytical methods for quality control and process optimization
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities with plating technology expertise and contact finish selection 
• Develop and execute DOE and evaluate performance of advanced plating layers using standard test methods, with specific focus on wear and corrosion behavior
• Provide technical leadership through technical documentation, optimization of precious metal usage and cost reduction initiatives, supplier qualification and auditing, mentoring of team members, and presentation of technical results 

What your background should look like

 

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related engineering discipline; Ph.D. in relevant field strongly preferred
• Several years of professional experience in electrochemical processes, surface treatments, or materials characterization; connector industry experience highly desirable
• Deep understanding of electroplating fundamentals, including precious metal deposition kinetics and mechanisms
• Proficiency with surface analysis techniques (XRF, SEM/EDS, optical microscopy, surface profilers)
• Knowledge of contact physics, corrosion science, metallurgy, and relevant industry standards (ASTM, TEC specifications) for plating and testing
• Experience with statistical analysis, DOE methodology, and data interpretation
• Proven ability in structured problem solving, continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma), and cross-functional project leadership
• Excellent technical communication skills, including documentation, presentations, and customer-facing technical support
• Experience with advanced plating technologies, sustainability and environmental regulations, and familiarity with automotive, industrial, or telecommunications connector applications 

Competencies

SET : Strategy, Execution, Talent (for managers)

ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITY

TE Connectivity plc (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. As a trusted innovation partner, our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers enabling artificial intelligence, and more.

Our more than 90,000 employees, including 10,000 engineers, work alongside customers in approximately 130 countries. In a world that is racing ahead, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

WHAT TE CONNECTIVITY OFFERS:
We are pleased to offer you an exciting total package that can also be flexibly adapted to changing life situations - the well-being of our employees is our top priority!

• Unlimited contract opportunity
• Pleasant working environment fostering teamwork
• Open and dynamic company culture
• Extensive training initiatives and growth opportunities
• Competitive salary package
• Comprehensive benefits including Group insurance, Hospitalization insurance, Meal vouchers etc.
•  Convenient location at E40 and E403 motorway intersection
• Join a certified "TOP EMPLOYER" in a modern "FACTORY OF THE FUTURE" 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING RECRUITMENT FRAUD
TE Connectivity has become aware of fraudulent recruitment activities being conducted by individuals or organizations falsely claiming to represent TE Connectivity. Please be advised that TE Connectivity never requests payment or fees from job applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings are posted exclusively on our official careers website at te.com/careers, and all email communications from our recruitment team will come only from actual email addresses ending in @te.com. If you receive any suspicious communications, we strongly advise you not to engage or provide any personal information, and to report the incident to your local authorities.

Across our global sites and business units, we put together packages of benefits that are either supported by TE itself or provided by external service providers. In principle, the benefits offered can vary from site to site.