Chemical Laboratory Technician - 1st Shift

Howmet Aerospace • Fullerton, CA

22h

About The Position

The Chemical Laboratory Technician supports and maintains chemical process controls for aerospace surface treatment operations. The role samples, tests, analyzes, documents, and monitors chemical solutions used in anodizing, passivation, cleaning, etching, conversion coating, and other chemical finishing processes. The technician conducts routine laboratory analyses to verify chemical concentrations and operating parameters, identify out-of-control conditions, and collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Production to maintain stable, compliant processes.

The position requires careful laboratory practices, accurate documentation, attention to detail, and strict adherence to chemical safety requirements. Work may involve hazardous and highly corrosive acids and alkaline solutions. The employee must complete required chemical safety and process-specific training before independently handling hazardous chemicals and follow company safety procedures, SDS instructions, emergency-response procedures, and PPE requirements.

The technician works in both laboratory and manufacturing environments. Physical tasks include standing and walking for extended periods to collect samples, safely transporting small samples, and handling laboratory supplies and chemical containers within established company safety limits.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least 3 years of experience working with chemical processing, plating, anodizing, passivation, or a metal-finishing laboratory.
• Ability to safely work with corrosive acids, alkaline solutions, and other industrial chemicals.
• Ability to accurately perform mathematical calculations involving concentration, dilution, chemical additions, and solution preparation.
• Ability to read and follow written laboratory procedures, work instructions, process specifications, and safety requirements.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and electronic data-entry systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize abnormal test results and process trends.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; employment eligibility verification is required at hire, and visa sponsorship is unavailable.
• Must complete required chemical safety and process-specific training before independently handling hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses or goggles, face protection, protective clothing, and other equipment as required.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while collecting process samples.
• Ability to safely transport small chemical samples between production tanks and the laboratory.
• Ability to lift and handle laboratory supplies and chemical containers within established company safety limits.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree, technical certificate, or college coursework in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, Laboratory Science, or a related technical field.
• Previous experience in a chemical laboratory, metal-finishing facility, plating operation, aerospace manufacturing environment, or similar industrial environment.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with Engineering, Quality, Production, and EHS personnel.
• Experience performing chemical titrations and solution concentration analysis.
• Hands-on experience with chemical bath analysis for anodizing and/or passivation processes.
• Experience with acid/base titration, pH meters, conductivity meters, hydrometers or density measurements, and laboratory analytical equipment.
• Experience with controlled processes involving hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, and other strong acids.
• Familiarity with aerospace special-process specifications and customer requirements.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and Nadcap chemical-processing requirements.
• Experience maintaining chemical analysis logs, bath-control records, SPC/control charts, and process-control documentation.
• Experience supporting audits and corrective-action investigations.

Responsibilities

• Collect representative samples from chemical processing tanks according to established sampling frequencies and procedures.
• Perform routine chemical analyses of production solutions used for anodizing, passivation, cleaning and degreasing, acid etching, deoxidizing/desmutting, conversion coating, and other chemical finishing processes.
• Test and monitor solutions that may involve hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, and mixed acid solutions as applicable to approved company processes.
• Test chemical concentrations using titration, pH measurement, conductivity measurement, specific gravity/density testing, and other required analytical methods.
• Monitor chemical bath parameters, including concentration, contamination levels, pH, temperature, conductivity, and other specified characteristics.
• Compare analytical results with established process specifications, control limits, and operating ranges.
• Identify and promptly communicate out-of-specification or abnormal chemical conditions to Engineering, Quality, and Production.
• Calculate required chemical additions or adjustments according to approved procedures and process controls.
• Coordinate with authorized personnel to make chemical bath additions and corrections.
• Retest adjusted solutions and verify that tanks have returned to acceptable operating ranges before production release when required.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, chemical analysis logs, tank histories, and electronic records.
• Maintain chemical control charts and identify trends indicating bath deterioration, contamination, or process instability.
• Support investigations of chemical processing problems, nonconforming product, customer concerns, and corrective actions.
• Assist Process/Manufacturing Engineering with troubleshooting and continuous improvement of chemical processes.
• Prepare and standardize laboratory reagents and solutions according to approved procedures.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, glassware, testing instruments, and calibration/verification records.
• Monitor laboratory chemical inventory, reagent expiration dates, and required consumables.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets and follow chemical labeling, storage, handling, and disposal requirements.
• Follow applicable Environmental, Health & Safety requirements and use required PPE and engineering controls when handling hazardous materials.
• Support internal, customer, AS9100, Nadcap, and other applicable special-process audits by providing chemical-control records and objective evidence.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities related to chemical processing, laboratory controls, documentation, and process capability.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits, including FSA and HSA account options.
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans with employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution.
• Paid holidays and vacation time, subject to applicable policies.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs.
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans.
• Optional auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance coverage plans.
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED