SHADY HILLS - Chemist

Aquatech International LLC

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Aquatech is a global leader in water purification systems technology for both industrial and infrastructure markets located in the United States and internationally. We support our clients with sustainable water purification systems and technologies that are solving the worlds water scarcity challenges. We have an immediate need for a fulltime Pilot Chemist to work in our Hartland, Wisconsin office. The Pilot Chemist will report to the Lab Manager. The ideal candidate will have safe working habits, good communication and organization skills, the ability to interpret instructions, and an attention to detail. The Pilot Lead will perform the job duties listed in the description below and will be considered a non-exempt employee.

Requirements

BS degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science or other related field OR
Associate in Applied Science Degree with strong chemistry / science course work OR
Non-degreed related work experience
Mechanical aptitude/technical background desired
Experience/training in bench top ‘wet’ inorganic chemistry analytical procedures desired
Leadership experience
Detail oriented, Communicate and receive precise chemical data and procedures
Ability to understand and follow detailed lab procedures and safety sheets
Experience/familiarity with standard laboratory instruments such as pH and conductivity meters, analytical balances, and microscopes
Demonstrate initiative and willingness to learn and grow in responsibility on the job
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
Ability to work independently, with a minimum of supervision
Ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external customers
Maintain positive attitude
Possess good organizational skills
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
Ability to be hands on and to carry out tasks with minimal monitoring
Attention to detail
Ability to work 12-hour shifts as needed by testing
Ability to work weekdays and weeknights and overtime as required by testing
Ability to occasionally work weekends as required by testing
Lifting / carrying / moving 50 lbs, may need to climb ladders and cannot be afraid of heights, and will need to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in the laboratory. Needs high degree of concentration in a busy area.

Responsibilities

Ensuring a safe working environment at all times and that all safety policies are being followed
Oversee operation of pilot and laboratory testing, ensuring that key performance indicators are met including operating conditions, sampling frequency, and testing quality
Operate equipment and pilot systems to conduct pilot testing, including making process changes, recording process measurables, and performing analytical testing
Operating small industrial equipment such as reactors, mixers, pumps, heaters, centrifuges, sieve shakers and chillers
Interacting regularly with Engineering to understand pilot goals and provide updates
Communicate observations, potential challenges and potential process design improvements
Completing end of shift reports to document operating notes
Transferring required information to the next shift including updated process objectives, operational setpoints, sampling requirements, and lessons learned
Writing and reading operating procedures, drawings and pilot guidelines
Data collection by reading pressure, temperature, flow and level gauges
Train new laboratory technicians and assist with developing new training materials
Ensuring all containers are properly labelled and feed, product, and waste are stored appropriately
Maintaining cleanliness of pilot and laboratory areas and equipment
Collaborate with Engineering in the design of pilot test systems
Assemble and build pilot test apparatus
Troubleshooting and repairing equipment required for pilot operation
Maintaining an inventory of equipment required for pilot operation
Managing spare parts inventory and initiating ordering when necessary
Performing regular maintenance on equipment critical to pilot operations success
Calibrating temperature, pressure, and flow sensors at desired intervals
Performing mechanical work requiring the use of wrenches, power tools, and hand tools to assemble, disassemble, and inspect pilot equipment
Oversee that cleanliness and organization standards are maintained in the pilot area
Performing light building improvement projects at the facility
Performing detailed measurements on samples from pilot testing in order to determine key properties including viscosity, boiling point elevation, specific gravity, pH, and particle size distribution
Conducting analytical chemistry tests including titrations, solids composition analysis, crystal characterization
Performing benchtop testing on client samples to support Engineering
Develop Standard Operating Procedures for bench top measurements including viscosity, boiling point elevation, specific gravity, pH, and particle size distribution
Taking precise notes and observations during testing, performing calculations and preparing reports summarizing testing procedures, observations and results
Treating waste streams for proper disposal
Maintaining proper labelling on all containers
Monitoring required chemical inventory and initiating ordering of chemical stock as required
Setting up and running samples through instruments including spectrometry and chromatography, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of results
Calibrating instruments to ensure accuracy of results
Communicating equipment needs and performing approved troubleshooting
Performing regular maintenance to ensure consistent equipment operation
Training new technicians to prepare samples for analysis
Maintaining cleanliness and organization of analytical room