Lab Technician

About the role

Valence Surface Technologies is a full-service surface finishing company specializing in the commercial aerospace, defense, space, and satellite industries. With ten strategically located sites across the United States, Valence provides a start-to-finish solution from NDT and chemical processing to paint and sub-assembly.

This role is responsible for leading the department in achieving established periodic testing requirements and providing strategic planning to enable the department to meet those goals.

Responsibilities

• Create monthly lab orders for physical testing
• Scribe / create metal specimens for testing
• Track both physical and analytical tests to ensure they are performed within the required time frame
• Perform both analytical and physical tests, including but not limited to:
  • Corrosion testing
  • Paint adhesion
  • Powder test
  • Plating adhesion
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Coating weight tests
  • Cleaner weight loss
  • Intragranular attack & end-grain pitting
  • Metal removal tests
  • Hydrogen embrittlement tensile tests
  • Impact tests
  • Hydrogen pick-up
  • Atomic Absorption elemental analysis
  • Potentiometric titrations
  • Acid-base titrations
  • Gravimetric analysis
  • UV-Vis Spectrophotometer operation and testing
  • pH analysis
  • Conductivity and resistivity testing
• Create test reports to outline the testing procedures and results of internally performed tests
• Perform clerical duties to file lab orders, test certs, chemical certificates of analysis, metal specimen certificate of analysis, purchase orders, etc.
• Review testing records/logs for accuracy of results and to ensure results are within shop control and specification limits
• Review and monitor tank temperature recording program to ensure solution temperatures of process tanks stay within customer-required ranges
• Tag out process tanks when needed due to out-of-range concentrations, temperatures, etc.
• Communicate with shop personnel to inform employees of issues with tanks, test specimens, and/or operation of baths
• Handle glassware used for analytical testing, use precision measuring glassware, and perform proper cleaning procedures to prevent cross-contamination
• Operate corrosion resistance/salt spray chamber and perform minor maintenance (e.g., change filters, unclog exhaust/drain lines)
• Adhere to all safety procedures and know how to use personal protective equipment, first aid kits, eye wash stations, and other safety devices

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry preferred or a minimum of 3 years of related experience
• Experience with laboratory functions within a manufacturing setting
• At least 3 years of related work experience preferred

This position requires access to EAR or ITAR-controlled technologies. Applicants must be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person.”