Scientist III, Analytical Chemistry

About the role

Electra is reinventing ironmaking with a breakthrough electrochemical technology. We have two operating pilots in Boulder and a new demonstration facility in Jefferson County, aiming for commercial scale by the end of the decade. Backed by over $300 million and strategic partnerships, we're recognized as a Fast Company Most Innovative Company and a TIME 100 Climate Leader.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop, validate, optimize, and execute analytical methods to support R&D and engineering initiatives
• Perform routine to complex sample analyses within established turnaround times while ensuring data accuracy, quality, and reliability
• Apply advanced analytical and problem-solving techniques to assess unusual or ambiguous results, identify root causes, and recommend appropriate actions
• Serve as a technical resource for metals analysis, including interpretation of analytical data, uncertainty evaluation, and method limitations
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and optimize analytical instrumentation with minimal supervision
• Support advanced diagnostics and coordinate repairs or corrective actions for laboratory instrumentation as needed
• Author, revise, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), test methods, technical reports, and laboratory documentation in accordance with quality requirements
• Evaluate emerging analytical technologies, methodologies, and instrumentation and provide recommendations based on technical feasibility and laboratory needs
• Provide technical input regarding laboratory equipment selection, capabilities, and future analytical requirements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support laboratory priorities, project objectives, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Communicate analytical findings, technical recommendations, and potential risks clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Build effective working relationships with internal and external partners and adapt communication style to differing audiences
• Provide informal technical guidance and mentoring to junior scientists, analysts, or laboratory personnel as needed
• Support general laboratory operations, including inventory management, organization, and compliance activities
• Follow all workplace health and safety policies, procedures, and safe laboratory practices; proactively identify and communicate potential safety concerns

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline required
• 5+ years of related industry experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience (excluding internships, co-ops, and other school projects)
• Complete knowledge and full understanding of analytical chemistry principles, theories, and practices within area of specialization
• Extensive hands-on experience with ICP-OES, including method development, validation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization
• Experience operating and interpreting data from multiple analytical instruments such as ICP-MS, XRF, XRD, and elemental analyzers
• Strong experience with complex sample preparation techniques, including four-acid digestion and fusion methods
• Ability to work independently on problems of diverse scope where analysis requires evaluation of identifiable and sometimes incomplete factors
• Demonstrated ability to use evaluation, judgment, and interpretation to select appropriate methods and resolve issues using existing and modified approaches
• Skilled in identifying root causes and resolving analytical issues through creative and practical problem-solving techniques
• Ability to independently manage assigned work, with review occurring primarily at critical milestones or key deliverables
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex analytical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and build productive working relationships
• Ability to advise others on technical analytical matters and contribute specialized subject matter expertise to team discussions

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline preferred
• Broad experience across ICP-MS, ICP-OES, XRF, XRD, and LECO elemental analysis platforms preferred
• Demonstrated creativity in applying analytical techniques to novel research questions or non-routine material systems preferred
• Strong safety-first mindset with a proactive approach to identifying, communicating, and mitigating potential hazards before incidents occur preferred
• Experience acting as a technical reference or mentor within a laboratory or development environment preferred

Skills

• Advanced analytical chemistry techniques
• Complex sample preparation methods
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Effective communication and collaboration
• Technical writing and report preparation

Benefits

• 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, short-term disability, long-term disability, and basic life insurance plans
• $1,800 in annual employer HSA contributions (health savings account)
• 100% paid premiums across all medical, dental, vision, and telemedicine plans
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• 401k with up to 5% matching contributions which vest 100% on day one
• Eligibility for incentive stock options

Pay

The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $100,000-$125,000 and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education.

Schedule

This role requires weekend availability, with scheduled shifts on both Saturday and Sunday (8 hours each day). Additional workdays are flexible and may fall between Monday and Wednesday or Wednesday and Friday. The position will support operations across both our Boulder and Broomfield locations.