Chemist

ITT • El Cajon, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

ITT is a leading manufacturer of critical components for harsh environments that serves fast-growing end markets in flow, aerospace and defense, energy and transportation. Building on our heritage of innovation, we partner with our customers to deliver solutions to the key industries that underpin our modern way of life. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, we have more than 11,700 employees globally with operations in ~40 countries and sales in more than 125. At our core is our engineering DNA, with 1,280+ engineers, 1,700+ active global patents and ~51 manufacturing locations. Our businesses are organized in three distinct segments, each based around our core engineering DNA: Industrial Process: A global leader in centrifugal and twin-screw pumps and engineered valves for chemical, energy, mining, and industrial applications. Our leading brands include the iconic Goulds Pumps (with more than 175 years of history), Bornemann, Habonim, Engineered Valves, Rheinhütte Pumpen and Svanehøj. Motion Technologies: A global leader in brake pads (ICE and electrified brake pads) and shock absorbers (energy absorption solutions) for transportation applications. Our leading brands include Friction Technologies, KONI and Axtone. Connect and Control Technologies: A leader in critical applications for the aerospace, defense and industrial markets, including harsh environment connectors and control components. Our leading brands include ITT Cannon, Enidine, Aerospace Controls and kSARIA. Position Summary The Chemist in the Electroplating Laboratory is responsible for supporting production plating operations through analytical testing, chemical bath maintenance, process control, and technical troubleshooting at our El Cajon, CA facility. This role ensures that all electroplating processes operate within specified parameters to meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. The chemist will work closely with production teams, quality engineers, and environmental health & safety personnel to maintain consistent plating performance, optimize chemical processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Understanding of electrochemical principles, plating bath chemistry, and metal finishing processes.
• Familiarity with common electroplating chemistries (nickel, chromium, zinc, gold, copper, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications, SDS, and process documentation.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and criticalthinking skills.
• Proficiency with laboratory instruments and basic statistical analysis.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with production and engineering teams.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment around chemicals, plating tanks, and production equipment.
• Use of PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators, etc.) as required.
• Ability to lift containers up to 25–50 lbs and stand for extended periods during lab work.

Responsibilities

• Chemical Analysis & Process Control Perform routine wet chemistry and instrumental analyses (e.g., titrations, pH, specific gravity, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy) on plating baths and process chemicals.
• Monitor and maintain chemical concentrations within defined control limits.
• Record, interpret, and report analytical results and recommend chemical additions or corrective actions.
• Ensure plating bath integrity by tracking contaminants, decomposition products, and additive consumption.
• Laboratory Operations Prepare chemical reagents, standards, and solutions following proper laboratory procedures.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, logs, and documentation in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Ensure the lab meets housekeeping, chemical storage, and safety standards.
• Production & Quality Support Assist production plating lines by identifying process issues and recommending corrective actions.
• Support troubleshooting of plating defects such as poor adhesion, pitting, discoloration, or irregular deposit thickness.
• Work with Quality and Engineering to perform root cause analysis for process nonconformances.
• Participate in validation trials, process improvement studies, and new chemical/product evaluations.
• Environmental, Health & Safety Compliance Handle chemicals according to safety protocols and SDS requirements.
• Maintain compliance with environmental regulations related to hazardous materials within electroplating operations.
• Assist with safety audits, chemical inventory management, and hazard communication updates.
• Continuous Improvement & Technical Support Evaluate new chemical products, additives, and process technologies to improve quality, throughput, and cost efficiency.
• Optimize plating bath life through preventive maintenance and monitoring programs.
• Train production personnel on chemical handling, solution maintenance, and process control procedures.
• Document process changes and support implementation of best practices.

Benefits

• ITT offers a competitive salary and robust total rewards package, such as health insurance, 401(k), short and long-term disability, paid time off, growth and developmental opportunities, and other incentive compensation programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees