Analytic Chemist

Peraton • Chantilly, VA

3d • $66,000 - $106,000

About The Position

Peraton is looking for an analytical chemist / subject matter expert to join our team in supporting the mission-critical needs of our customer. In this role, you will step away from the bench to act as a strategic technical advisor to the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representatives (COTRs), ensuring that third-party laboratories and device developers are meeting the standards for chemical detection, sample analysis, and remote sensing.
Perform rigorous technical reviews of laboratory analytical data to ensure accuracy, precision, and adherence to established protocols. Translate chemical findings into actionable insights.
Collaborate with the customer to define and document sample analysis requirements, specifying chemical target lists tailored to mission-specific threats.
Advise on sampling techniques and preservation strategies for various media (soil, air, water, surfaces), ensuring the integrity of chemical signatures from the point of collection to the laboratory bench.

Requirements

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and successfully pass a polygraph examination.
• Master’s or PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a closely related physical science.
• A minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience performing analytical chemistry techniques (e.g., GC/MS, LC/MS) in a professional laboratory environment.

Nice To Haves

• Subject matter expertise in environmental fate (how chemical signatures degrade); chemical detection technologies (mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, etc.); and CWA (chemical warfare agent) signatures, precursors, and dual-use chemicals.
• Experience navigating the Intelligence Community or Department of Defense (DoD) ecosystems, with an understanding of the intelligence cycle.
• Experience in project management (from requirements gathering to field testing).
• Familiarity with integrating chemical sensors on to unmanned platforms (UAVs, UGVs).

Responsibilities

• Perform rigorous technical reviews of laboratory analytical data to ensure accuracy, precision, and adherence to established protocols.
• Translate chemical findings into actionable insights.
• Collaborate with the customer to define and document sample analysis requirements, specifying chemical target lists tailored to mission-specific threats.
• Advise on sampling techniques and preservation strategies for various media (soil, air, water, surfaces), ensuring the integrity of chemical signatures from the point of collection to the laboratory bench.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level