Gas Chromatography Application Engineer

Yokogawa•Sugar Land, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Yokogawa, an award-winning provider of industrial automation, test and measurement, information systems, and industrial services, is seeking a dynamic Gas Chromatography Application Engineer (Technical Specialist IV). This role is crucial for leading advanced analytical testing, method development, troubleshooting, and instrumentation oversight for gas chromatography systems. The position offers technical expertise, mentorship to junior analysts, and ensures high-quality, accurate analytical data to support research, production, and quality assurance. Yokogawa is committed to shaping a better future and supporting the United Nations sustainable development goals through innovation in areas like energy transition, biotechnology, and AI. The company fosters a global culture where respect, value creation, collaboration, integrity, and gratitude are paramount, offering significant career growth opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, or related scientific field.
5–7+ years of experience with Gas Chromatographs in an analytical laboratory environment.
Hands-on experience with Gas Chromatography instrumentation and analytical testing.
Ability to interpret chromatographic data and perform troubleshooting.
Knowledge of analytical best practices and laboratory quality standards.
Knowledge of regulated laboratory environments (such as: ISO 17025, FDA, EPA, GLP/GMP), as well as ISO/ASTM methods for analytical Gas Chromatography.
Experience developing or validating analytical methods.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Analytical Chemistry is a plus.
Analytical instrumentation problem-solving
Technical expertise in packed column gas chromatography
Attention to detail
Clear scientific communication
Time management and organization
Continuous improvement mindset
Proficiency with instrumentation software interfaces
Basic knowledge of MS Office suite, data logs, and reporting tools

Responsibilities

Design and develop schematics for complex GC analytical applications, handling diverse customer sample matrices including gas and liquid hydrocarbons, halides, sulfur compounds, monomers, and environmental monitoring streams.
Provide gas chromatography method development and optimization, including programming analyzers, tuning, and testing to meet application and specification requirements for separation and repeatability.
Perform advanced separations analysis using TCD, FID, and FPD detectors.
Evaluate chromatographic performance, including resolution, sensitivity, and repeatability.
Troubleshoot method challenges such as peak shape, carryover, retention time, sample size, column choice, and detector response; investigate analytical anomalies and provide root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
Develop protocols for sample preparation and injection techniques.
Oversee gas chromatograph production, including column installation, leak checking, data collection, validation, and documentation.
Perform safe handling of pressurized gas and liquid cylinders, specify complex sample blends, acquire calibration standards, and manage gas/liquid supplies inventories.
Provide on-the-fly assessments and decision-making related to pressure, temperature, flow, and chemistry to ensure product meets customer specifications.
Prepare samples, standards, calibration curves, and quality control checks according to established protocols.
Conduct in-depth data analysis, including integration review, peak identification, and quantification of trace-level analytes.
Generate analytical reports for customer documentation, and review, validate, and approve reports from junior chemists.
Execute routine and non-routine analytical procedures with strong attention to accuracy and precision.
Oversee daily, weekly, and long-term maintenance plans for all GC Laboratory equipment, including gas supplies, service, air compression systems, vacuum lines, gas regulators, and lab tools.
Maintain complete, accurate laboratory logs and electronic records.
Diagnose field instrument issues and collaborate with the team for corrective actions, repairs, and upgrades; assess system performance, calibration status, parameter configurations, and recommended spare parts.
Ensure all GC methods and processes comply with organizational, industry, and regulatory standards (ISO, ASTM, EPA, FDA, etc.).
Lead documentation updates for SOPs, methods, calibration protocols, and instrument history and revisions.
Participate in internal and external audits and provide expert technical responses.
Perform factory acceptance testing (FAT) and assist in demonstrating GCs to customers and end users.
Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for all GC-related analytical activities across the organization.
Train, coach, and mentor junior analysts and laboratory technicians.
Recommend new technologies, methodologies, and equipment to enhance laboratory capabilities.
Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols, chemical handling procedures, and waste disposal requirements.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase laboratory throughput, reliability, and data accuracy.
Participate in risk assessments and contribute to improving safety practices.
Assist in the development of training programs for new hires and customers, as well as refresher training or knowledge sharing for existing personnel.
Travel to support field service trips to customer sites to help identify and resolve problems, individually or as a team member; travel may also be required for training at other affiliate locations.