SHADY HILLS - Chemist

Pilot Lead

Ensuring a safe working environment at all times and that all safety policies are being followed
Oversee operation of pilot and laboratory testing, ensuring that key performance indicators are met including operating conditions, sampling frequency, and testing quality
Operate equipment and pilot systems to conduct pilot testing, including making process changes, recording process measurables, and performing analytical testing
Operating small industrial equipment such as reactors, mixers, pumps, heaters, centrifuges, sieve shakers and chillers
Interacting regularly with Engineering to understand pilot goals and provide updates
Communicate observations, potential challenges and potential process design improvements
Completing end of shift reports to document operating notes
Transferring required information to the next shift including updated process objectives, operational setpoints, sampling requirements, and lessons learned
Writing and reading operating procedures, drawings and pilot guidelines

Data Collection

Data collection by reading pressure, temperature, flow and level gauges
Training new laboratory technicians and assisting with developing new training materials

Cleaning and Organization

Maintaining cleanliness of pilot and laboratory areas and equipment

Equipment

Collaborate with Engineering in the design of pilot test systems
Assemble and build pilot test apparatus
Troubleshooting and repairing equipment required for pilot operation
Managing spare parts inventory and initiating ordering when necessary
Performing regular maintenance on equipment critical to pilot operations success
Calibrating temperature, pressure, and flow sensors at desired intervals
Performing mechanical work requiring the use of wrenches, power tools, and hand tools to assemble, disassemble, and inspect pilot equipment
Oversee that cleanliness and organization standards are maintained in the pilot area
Performing light building improvement projects at the facility

Laboratory

Performing detailed measurements on samples from pilot testing in order to determine key properties including viscosity, boiling point elevation, specific gravity, pH, and particle size distribution
Conducting analytical chemistry tests including titrations, solids composition analysis, crystal characterization
Performing benchtop testing on client samples to support Engineering
Developing Standard Operating Procedures for bench top measurements including viscosity, boiling point elevation, specific gravity, pH, and particle size distribution
Taking precise notes and observations during testing, performing calculations and preparing reports summarizing testing procedures, observations and results
Treating waste streams for proper disposal
Monitoring required chemical inventory and initiating ordering of chemical stock as required

Qualifications

Qualifications / Experience: BS degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science or other related field OR Associate in Applied Science Degree with strong chemistry / science course work OR Non-degreed related work experience Mechanical aptitude/technical background desired
Experience/training in bench top ‘wet’ inorganic chemistry analytical procedures desired
Leadership experience
Detail oriented, Communicate and receive precise chemical data and procedures
Ability to understand and follow detailed lab procedures and safety sheets
Experience/familiarity with standard laboratory instruments such as pH and conductivity meters, analytical balances, and microscopes
Demonstrate initiative and willingness to learn and grow in responsibility on the job
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
Ability to work independently, with a minimum of supervision
Skill Requirements
Ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external customers
Maintain positive attitude
Possess good organizational skills
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
Attention to detail
Ability to work 12-hour shifts as needed by testing
Ability to work weekdays and weeknights and overtime as required by testing
Ability to occasionally work weekends as required by testing