Chemist - Cement Manufacturing

GCC•Pueblo, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs chemical and physical analysis of cement, clinker, and raw materials compositions used in the production of cement, clinker, kiln feed, and raw meal according to established and standardized procedures (ASTM, CCRL, ASSHTO, GCC, etc.). Maintains the reliability and confidence of the chemical and physical equipment used for the corresponding tests. Supervises and coordinates hourly employees in the absence of the Quality Control Manager. Performs microscopy clinker analysis. Will maintain and enforce a safe working environment, adhere to safety policies and practices, daily housekeeping, and adhere to plant policies and proper use of plant radios. Be familiar with MSHA safety rules, safety procedures for plant mobile equipment, lockout/tag-out policy, confined space permit policy, hot work policy, emergency response plan, arc flash/shock and burn protection, proper containment, and disposal process (via Waste Management Plan) for lubricants, paints/solvents and other environmentally sensitive materials. Performs wet and/or instrumental analyses of the material through each plant section to establish the correct dosing/proportions accordingly. Issues instructions to plant personnel to adjust components of raw feed to effect correct composition. Analyzes finish mill on-stream product to determine the proper proportion of gypsum and/or additional materials. Makes all the required determinations of coal samples either, being fired in the kilns or raw. Makes chemical and/or physical analysis (according, but not limited, to the Raw Materials program) of raw material components of cement clinker and calculates their correct proportions necessary to produce cement that will meet specifications concomitant with fuel economy, kiln brick life, etc. Analyzes Cement Reference Laboratory cement samples to check against plant laboratory performance and provide retrain to Physical Testers and QCTs as needed. Standardizes a group of test solutions used in routine control testing. Makes chemical analysis of raw materials, kiln feed and clinker to develop and provide standards necessary for the calibration of the x-ray analyzers. Make all the XRD analysis needed to improve the kiln(s) operation and to find reasons for materials changes (cement, clinker, raw meal, raw materials, etc.). Performs assigned tests on new products to determine the feasibility of production within pre-determined limits. Ensures quality of work performed, supports, promotes and utilizes continuous improvement system. Observes and promotes best practices. Calibrates all the needed equipment, personally or by hiring a service. Supports the QC Manager to do the yearly department budget, monthly schedules, and works on call as needed, outside normal business hours. Learns how to work with and maintain the Automatic Lab Equipment. Uses statistical analysis to predict or solve problems. Gives instructions/suggestions based on statistical analysis.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering required.
Must have 2 to 4 years’ chemical engineering experience.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience supervising and/or working in a cement Quality Control role is highly desired

Responsibilities

Performs chemical and physical analysis of cement, clinker and raw materials compositions used in the production of cement, clinker, kiln feed and raw meal according to established and standardized procedures (ASTM, CCRL, ASSHTO, GCC, etc..)
Performs chemical-physical analysis of cement, clinker and raw materials compositions used in the production of cement, clinker, kiln feed and raw meal (raw mix) according to established and standardized procedures (ASTM – CCRL – ASSHTO – GCC, etc.).
Maintain the reliability and confidence of the chemical and physical equipment used for the corresponding tests.
Supervise and coordinate hourly employees in the absence of the Quality Control Manager.
Perform microscopy clinker analysis.
Will maintain and enforce a safe working environment, adhere to safety policies and practices, daily housekeeping, and adhere to plant policies and proper use of plant radios.
Be familiar with MSHA safety rules, safety procedures for plant mobile equipment, lockout/tag-out policy, confined space permit policy, hot work policy, emergency response plan, arc flash/shock and burn protection, proper containment, and disposal process (via Waste Management Plan) for lubricants, paints/solvents and other environmentally sensitive materials.
Performs wet and/or instrumental analyses of the material through each plant section to establish the correct dosing/proportions accordingly.
Issues instructions to plant personnel to adjust components of raw feed to effect correct composition.
Analyzes finish mill on-stream product to determine the proper proportion of gypsum and/or additional materials.
Makes all the required determinations of coal samples either, being fired in the kilns or raw.
Makes chemical and/or physical analysis (according, but not limited, to the Raw Materials program) of raw material components of cement clinker and calculates their correct proportions necessary to produce cement that will meet specifications concomitant with fuel economy, kiln brick life, etc.
Analyzes Cement Reference Laboratory cement samples to check against plant laboratory performance and provide retrain to Physical Testers and QCTs as needed.
Standardize a group of test solutions used in routine control testing.
Makes chemical analysis of raw materials, kiln feed and clinker to develop and provide standards necessary for the calibration of the x-ray analyzers.
Make all the XRD analysis needed to improve the kiln(s) operation and to find reasons for materials changes (cement, clinker, raw meal, raw materials, etc.)
Performs assigned tests on new products to determine the feasibility of production within pre-determined limits.
Ensure quality of work performed, support, promote and utilize continuous improvement system.
Observe and promote best practices.
Calibrate all the needed equipment, personally or by hiring a service.
Support the QC Manager to do the yearly department budget, monthly schedules, and Work on call as needed, outside normal business hours.
Learn how to work with and maintain the Automatic Lab Equipment.
Use of statistical analysis to predict or solve problems.
Give instructions/suggestions based on statistical analysis.