Chemist

ChampionX • Bakersfield, CA

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

This Chemist position applies foundational chemical knowledge to perform laboratory testing, analyze data, and support research and operational objectives, including collecting samples in the field as needed. The role focuses on executing established methods, ensuring accuracy and efficiency, and maintaining high standards in safety and quality while managing a high-volume workload. Working within a collaborative team environment and reporting to the Regional Lab Manager, this individual contributes to effective lab operations through strong communication, accountability, and teamwork. The ideal candidate brings 1–5 years of laboratory experience, solid analytical skills, and the ability to manage responsibilities independently while supporting a safe, efficient, and team-oriented laboratory culture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field with at least 2 years of US Land oilfield production chemistry experience, or Master's degree in Chemistry or related field with at least 1 years of US Land oilfield production chemistry experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting production chemistry programs for U.S. land-based oil and gas operations.
• Experience managing high volumes of routine analytical testing while maintaining quality, accuracy, and turnaround time expectations.
• Proven ability to follow SOPs, work independently, prioritize competing demands, and manage moderately complex projects with minimal supervision.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting ICP-OES, Ion Chromatography (IC), Gas Chromatography (GC), XRF, or equivalent analytical instrumentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), with experience leveraging data management and reporting tools to support laboratory operations, decision-making, and process improvement.
• Demonstrated success working within a laboratory team where collaboration, flexibility, and individual accountability are critical to overall laboratory performance.
• Ability and willingness to perform field sampling activities, including traveling to client or site locations, safely collecting environmental or process samples in various conditions, and adhering to all field safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate initiative and ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and customer responsiveness.
• Demonstrated desire and initiative to grow into leadership roles over time, including taking on increased responsibility, mentoring peers, and contributing to team development.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Physically able to lift 50 pounds, climb stairs or ladder, and agile enough to squat and bend over.
• Ability to independently prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a high-volume workload (handling up to 1,000 samples per month).

Nice To Haves

• 3-7 years of experience in oilfield production chemistry, chemical manufacturing, or industrial analytical laboratory environments.
• 3+ years of laboratory leadership, technical leadership, mentoring, or senior laboratory experience supporting production chemistry operations.
• Demonstrated history of taking ownership of laboratory responsibilities, following through on commitments, and consistently delivering high-quality results.
• Proven ability to foster a collaborative, respectful, and solutions-oriented work environment through effective communication and constructive engagement with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience presenting technical findings, managing projects, and collaborating effectively across functional teams.
• Understanding of customer needs and ability to translate analytical data into actionable operational insights.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements that enhance laboratory efficiency, quality, safety, or customer service.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean, or continuous improvement methodologies in a manufacturing or factory setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute routine and non-routine analytical testing activities in support of customer programs, field operations, and laboratory service commitments.
• Independently manage multiple priorities, project deadlines, customer requests, and stakeholder communications in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Manage high volumes of routine analytical testing while maintaining quality, accuracy, data integrity, and turnaround time expectations.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize laboratory instrumentation while ensuring compliance with established QA/QC procedures and laboratory standards.
• Support team training efforts by learning procedures, sharing information when appropriate, and assisting colleagues as needed.
• Assist with compiling and communicating analytical data to help support team recommendations and customer needs.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements that enhance laboratory efficiency, quality, safety, and customer service.
• Champion safety culture, support continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute positively to overall laboratory performance, efficiency, and team effectiveness.
• Perform miscellaneous administrative tasks.

What This Job Offers

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