Specialist II, Lab Chemist, Ferndale Refinery

Phillips 66•Ferndale, WA

5d•$114,300 - $139,700•Onsite

About The Position

As a Chemist Specialist II, you will play a key role in ensuring our products and processes meet rigorous quality, safety, and regulatory standards through advanced laboratory testing and analysis. You will work with a high degree of independence, provide technical guidance to others, and partner closely with operations, engineering, and commercial teams to keep our refinery running safely and reliably. In this role, you’ll help shape lab practices, training, and continuous improvement initiatives that support Our Energy in Action and the broader success of Phillips 66.

Requirements

Legally authorized to work in the job posting country
High School Diploma or equivalent
3 or more years of experience in performing testing in a laboratory
Intermediate or greater proficiency using tools such as Labvantage (LIMS), SAP, and Microsoft 365 (including Excel, Power BI, Power Automate, and Teams)
Possess a valid driver's license
Willing and able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)
Work extended hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, and perform 1 week per month on-call duties. Must be within 1 hour of refinery and able to respond and arrive on site within 1 hour for HF acid testing
Must be willing and able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to comply with the following
Travel up to 5%
Operate company vehicle on site premises and/or public roads up to 5%
Work extended hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, and perform occasional on-call duties
Transport articles up to 50 pounds
Climb ladders and stairs up to 200 feet
Work safely near large, hot, high-speed machines, around chemicals and hydrocarbons under high pressure and heat, and in harsh weather conditions.
Wear fire retardant clothing and personal protective equipment
Maintain face daily for proper respirator/face mask seal (some examples include being free of facial hair and/or clean shaven)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
5 or more years of experience performing testing in a petroleum or refining laboratory
3 or more years in forensic science characterization of unknown materials
Knowledge of data science, machine learning, and AI
Knowledge of refining processes and units, refinery product slates, and certification testing requirements
Demonstrated ability to lead safety initiatives, improve standard operating procedures, and drive continuous improvement in lab work processes
Experience training and mentoring lab technicians and collaborating effectively with operations, engineering, and commercial teams
Strong verbal and written communication skills and a track record of promoting inclusion and diversity in team environments

Responsibilities

Lead complex laboratory testing and quality assurance activities to verify that products and processes meet internal standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements, interpreting data and recommending corrective actions when needed.
Design, validate, and improve specialized test methods and procedures, using advanced analytical equipment and quality tools to enhance accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of lab results.
Provide analytical and QA/QC support to operations, engineering, and commercial groups, translating lab data into clear recommendations that support safe, reliable, and optimized refinery operations.
Own key laboratory quality systems and documentation, including LIMS testing and scheduling, QA/QC reporting, and the development, review, and maintenance of standard operating procedures and quality policies.
Lead and support lab safety and compliance efforts by promoting safe work practices, facilitating or participating in safety meetings, and contributing to audits and inspections to ensure adherence to refinery and regulatory requirements.
Calibrate, standardize, and troubleshoot complex analytical instruments and methods to maintain equipment readiness, data integrity, and reliable performance for both routine and specialized testing.
Develop and deliver training for lab technicians in assigned areas, providing technical guidance, coaching, and feedback to build skills and drive consistent, high-quality laboratory practices.
Analyze quality and process data, prepare insights and performance reports, and recommend action plans that improve work processes, reduce defects, and enhance customer and stakeholder satisfaction.
Collaborate with cross-functional and external partners to resolve complex quality issues, support incident investigations, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the refinery.
Provide vacation relief for the laboratory supervisor and other area chemists.