Lab Chemist

JOB SUMMARY
A Laboratory Chemist at Doble Engineering will perform chemical, physical, and electrical tests on insulating fluids. This position requires a sound working and practical knowledge of good laboratory practices and skills including working knowledge of the instrumentation associated with chemical analysis. This position is located at Doble's Houston, Texas and reports to Vernon Glover.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Analysis/Reporting

• Primary focus of the job is to perform physical, chemical and electrical tests using established QNQC procedures and best laboratory practices according to ASTM, IEC, Doble and other methods as defined by the lab manager, lab director or VP of services.
• The correct functioning of the analytical equipment must always be maintained, and the chemist is required to perform this duty.
• Run standards and QC samples on a daily or other time-based basis as required by the Doble lab QNQC practices and record that information.
• Check queues and test samples according to the stated SOPs.
• Update sample ID logs as required.
• Perform statistics on QNQC data to make sure the analytical equipment is running satisfactorily.
• Produce quality control charts in Excel or in another format as required.
• Learn LIMS (Doble Laboratory Information Management System) which is the software that is used in the laboratory in all aspects of our testing.
• Identify samples where additional verification testing is needed prior to submitting results to customers.
• Identify and report errant analysis that may affect the quality or the integrity of the analysis
• Assist with customer technical questions in the absence of lab manager, lab director or VP.

GC and other Analytical Equipment Troubleshooting (if the specific position requires this)

• Maintain and Repair Analytical equipment.
• Provide preventative maintenance to Iimit downtime of the analytical equipment.
• Make sure equipment and the surrounding area is kept clean at all times.
• Change out gases used to supply the equipment as required.
• Change out desiccant when indicated by color change.
• Change out septa and nickel catalyst as required.
• Perform other troubleshooting duties.
• Perform manufacturer recommended maintenance/troubleshooting on analytical test equipment.

Standard and QNQC sample preparation

• Prepare QNQC samples on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.
• Prepare calibration samples four times per year.

Stray Gas Analysis

• Follow documented procedures to perform the testing.
• Fallow documented procedures to analyze and confirm results and prepare report.

Research

• Doble is engaged is significant research in our industry and from time to time this job will be required to help perform particular research projects for internal use, papers and/or conferences, or customer requests.
• This research requires great attention to detail and reporting and also some flexibility in work hours and duties.
• Identify potential new testing procedures as new insulating fluids are introduced within the power industry or to serve as additional diagnostic tests.

Other Testing

• The goal for any new hire or job change in the laboratory is to be as knowledgeable as possible in all areas of our testing routine. Cross training is essential in what we do, and it is expected that this position will learn these tests.
• As part of this, we also develop tests and this position will be expected to help us in the development of those tests, analysis of procedures and results and contribute to the team effort that is needed to implement a testing method.
• In the event of employee absences from work, complete other lab testing necessary to meet customer expectations. Must be able to complete all analytical testing offered by lab or as defined by the lab manager, lab director or VP.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

Minimum Associates Degree in chemistry, physics, biological sciences; Bachelor's preferred.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Must have sound knowledge on analytical chemistry, with 2-5 years of hands-on laboratory experience.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to proactively communicate status & issues.
• Must be able to work overtime and sometimes on weekend days when needed.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE (Not Required):

• Any previous analytical work involving spectroscopy (FT-IR, UVNis), or chromatography (GC, HPLC).
• Experience with AA-Graphite Furnace.
• Certifications in analytical equipment training is helpful but not required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Basic analytical equipment skills.
• Knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required.
• Must have strong math and computer skills.
• Job involves working was hazardous chemicals, standing, walking, a lot of hand work such as that required for sample preparation and the ability to lift 10 pounds on a routine basis and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is often required to stand, sit, use computers, read, write, type, use copy machines, file paperwork, use telephones, and utilize written and oral communication to interact with clients, co-workers, and customers. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job. Must be capable of lifting 30 pounds. Must use assistance when lifting 50 or more pounds.

Actual base salary offered to the hired applicant will be determined based on their work location, level, qualifications, job related skills, as well as relevant education or training experience.
Hourly Pay Range Minimum $28.75 - Midpoint $35.94

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the "essential functions" of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United Sates. Doble Engineering is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.