CHEMICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

Batches that leave a chemical manufacturing plant without proper documentation or verified specifications create downstream compliance failures that can halt customer shipments. Small. That sentence is under 10 words. Chemical Laboratory Technicians are the checkpoint between production and release, responsible for testing incoming raw materials, in-process batches, and finished goods against defined quality standards. In a regulated manufacturing environment where Certificate of Analysis documentation and complaint management procedures govern customer relationships, this role sits within the quality function and reports to a production or quality manager. Accurate testing records and calibrated instrumentation are the two non-negotiables this role owns.

As the Chemical Laboratory Technician, you will execute quality control testing across raw materials, intermediate batches, and finished chemical products to ensure every release meets internal and customer specifications. The role operates within a production-integrated quality team, supporting both ongoing batch release and product development activities in a chemical manufacturing plant.

Career Impact: Experience in COA generation, complaint management workflows, and regulated QC testing builds a technical foundation that qualifies you for senior analyst and quality chemist roles in chemical manufacturing.

Business Impact: When batch testing runs accurately and on schedule, production teams avoid costly post-production adjustments, and customers receive documentation that meets their specification requirements.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to new formula development and reaction-based chemistry projects expands your technical scope beyond routine testing, increasing your market value across specialty chemical and contract manufacturing sectors.

• Perform quality control testing on raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods per written test methods and quality requirements.
• Generate Certificates of Analysis for products requiring formal release documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of all testing performed, ensuring data is documented, current, and traceable.
• Monitor and verify calibration status of all test equipment on the scheduled annual cycle.
• Support production teams in limiting post-production adjustments by identifying batch non-conformances early.
• Coordinate complaint management investigations and assist in identifying root cause for out-of-specification results.
• Assist in product development activities including testing of new chemical formulas, product blends, and reaction-based chemistries.
• Enter quality control data and manage incoming material records within the ERP system.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related science, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of quality control experience in a chemical manufacturing or production environment, with direct involvement in batch testing and release.
• Familiarity with standard analytical testing instrumentation and the ability to operate and maintain it independently.
• Working knowledge of Certificate of Analysis preparation and quality documentation requirements.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations using supplied equations and spreadsheets accurately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail in recordkeeping.
• Proficiency in standard office software and experience with ERP or laboratory data management systems.

• Prior experience with complaint investigation workflows or formal root cause analysis in a manufacturing quality function.
• Exposure to reaction-based or blend chemistry product development within a production setting.
• Experience conducting Round Robin studies or measurement uncertainty analysis as part of a QC program.
• Familiarity with regulatory or customer specification frameworks governing chemical product release in industrial markets.

• Batch release cycle time, measuring how quickly completed production lots are tested and cleared for shipment.
• COA accuracy rate, tracking the proportion of product documentation issued without correction or reissue.
• Out-of-specification detection rate, reflecting how reliably incoming materials are flagged before entering production.
• Equipment calibration compliance rate, measuring the percentage of instruments current on their annual calibration schedule.
• Complaint resolution turnaround time, tracking how fast investigated non-conformances receive a documented root cause response.
• Typical tools: ERP platforms (commonly SAP or equivalent); laboratory data systems (commonly LIMS); office suite (Excel for data entry and calculations).

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience and location
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 3 to 7% of base salary, where applicable
• Equity: Generally not offered at this level in chemical manufacturing
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by company size
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus standard federal holidays
• Common Perks: Safety gear and PPE provided; shift differential pay at facilities with extended operating hours

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including verification of employment history and, where applicable, drug screening, are a standard condition of employment for this role. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Chemical Laboratory Technician performs routine chemical testing and analysis to determine compound composition, supporting production, research and development, quality control, and compliance activities. Working across laboratory operations and record-keeping systems, this role delivers accurate data and supports regulatory adherence through precise specimen preparation, solution formulation, and computer-based documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine chemical tests and reactions to determine composition and support production, research and development, quality control, and compliance activities.
• Analyze compounds and collect, prepare, and record data for evaluation.
• Conduct laboratory support functions, including stocking and distributing supplies and equipment, arranging and dismantling apparatus, and collecting, washing, and storing glassware.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and test specimens for evaluation.
• Perform microhardness inspections as required.
• Use computer systems to complete technical and record-keeping duties in accordance with regulatory procedures and quality requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of physical sciences, preferably Chemistry.
• Knowledge of laboratory functions and Heat Treating processes.
• Basic understanding of mathematics and chemistry.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and specifications.
• Ability to distinguish between colors and shades of colors.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people and demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.

Embedded within the technical laboratory team, the Chemical Laboratory Technician delivers routine chemical and physical characterization analysis of iron ore materials and their transformation into direct reduced iron (DRI) or hot briquetted iron (HBI). Working closely with vendors, outside laboratories, and research and development personnel, this role builds the analytical foundation that enables safe, continuous improvement of pilot equipment, techniques, and production outcomes.

Core Functions

• Analyze material samples for Carbon and Sulfur content using LECO instrumentation.
• Utilize BET surface area technique to determine material surface area.
• Determine compression strength of material samples, including Nickel catalyst, Iron Oxide, and DRI pellets.
• Prepare samples following existing techniques and methods.
• Perform routine measurements and basic analysis, including weighing, reading gauges, and recording data.
• Perform mechanical testing such as compression tests.
• Prepare, review, and modify laboratory procedures and methods.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and perform minor preventative maintenance.
• Suggest and implement improvements to equipment, facility, techniques, and methods.
• Assist in operation of pilot equipment as required.
• Participate in problem-solving activities and assist with research and development activities.
• Communicate and collaborate with vendors and outside laboratories.
• Participate in the facility's safety program to ensure safety remains a focal point of daily activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Associate's degree in Chemistry or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of hands-on experience in a chemical laboratory environment, preferably related to the steel industry.
• Working knowledge of chemical laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and techniques.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, and other related software programs, including laboratory database programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with good analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Ability to follow directions and procedures with careful attention to detail.

Reporting to the Technical Manager and Chemist, the Chemical Laboratory Technician shapes daily pilot plant operations by accurately measuring, managing, and charging hazardous raw materials into reactor systems in accordance with prescribed recipe profiles. Partnering with the Chemist to prepare documentation, monitor reaction progress, and take corrective measures, this role supports the integrity and safety of experimental production cycles.

Primary Duties

• Accurately measure raw materials needed to support the preparation and charging of the pilot plant reactor.
• Conduct various tests on raw materials and products as prescribed by the Chemist.
• Monitor the progress of reactions to ensure they follow the recipe profile.
• Prepare documentation of tests as prescribed by the Chemist.
• Prepare raw materials in advance for the following day's usage.
• Periodically check and ensure safety equipment is functional.
• Maintain a clean environment in the operating area.

Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Associate's degree in a Science or Engineering field.
• 1 to 3 years of experience as a laboratory technician.
• Math skills with a good understanding of decimals and fractions.
• Proficiency in Excel and Word.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with attentiveness to detail.

Sitting at the intersection of quality control and laboratory operations, the Chemical Laboratory Technician leads testing on existing and newly introduced equipment while coordinating complaint management and Round Robin measurement variance analysis. Operating across raw material inspection, intermediate products, and finished goods, this role shapes product release integrity through precise documentation, calibrated instrumentation, and ERP-supported data management.

Duties

• Perform all laboratory tests according to written instructions, including tests on existing and newly introduced equipment.
• Perform mathematical calculations using supplied equations or spreadsheets.
• Use ERP software for incoming material control, entering QC data, and generating COAs.
• Conduct and coordinate Round Robins and measurement variance analysis.
• Perform quality control of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods, including troubleshooting.
• Coordinate and investigate complaint management processes.
• Maintain accurate records of all quality control data and generate product information for release and troubleshooting.
• Ensure test equipment is calibrated and monitored, and that tests are correctly carried out, documented, and up to date.
• Maintain housekeeping in the laboratory.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a Science field.
• Previous laboratory experience.
• Experience with proprietary software.
• Knowledge of operating systems and basic office suite software.
• Good computer literacy.
• Self-starter with good communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multitasking environment.

A key member of the chemical testing team, the Chemical Laboratory Technician builds a reliable foundation for compliance by performing daily RoHS, XRF, and wet chemical testing, including Chromium VI and halogen analysis, while maintaining and operating inorganic chemical instruments. Collaborating across internal teams and drawing on ICP and third-party laboratory experience, this role supports the development of new testing methods and delivers data analysis that enables product and materials compliance.

Functions

• Perform daily chemical testing according to test instructions and quality requirements.
• Perform RoHS testing, including sample detachment, photography, checklist completion, XRF screening, and wet chemical confirmation.
• Perform XRF testing according to applicable requirements.
• Perform wet chemical tests, including Chromium VI and halogen testing.
• Assist in developing new testing methods.
• Operate and perform daily maintenance of inorganic chemical instruments.
• Perform test data analysis.

Experience & Qualifications

• College degree or above with a major in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Materials, Biology, or Pharmacy.
• Experience in chemical testing and analysis, with ICP experience preferred.
• Experience in a third-party laboratory environment preferred.
• Good English reading and writing capability.
• Detail-oriented, responsible, and positive with a teamwork spirit.
• Quick learner with willingness to adopt new technology and a customer-focused mindset.
• Good communication skills.

Consistent product quality in chemical manufacturing depends on the Chemical Laboratory Technician, who owns quality control testing across production batches, incoming raw materials, and finished goods while supporting new formula development, including product blends and reaction-based chemistries. Based within the production environment and collaborating with the production team, this role enables on-specification output and streamlined post-production adjustments through precise recordkeeping and calibrated instrumentation.

Accountabilities

• Perform quality control testing on chemical production batches and ensure that incoming raw materials and products meet specifications.
• Work with production to maintain quality and limit post-production adjustments.
• Maintain records of all testing performed and prepare COAs for products that require them.
• Ensure testing equipment is calibrated correctly on an annual basis.
• Assist in product development for new chemical formulas, including product blends and reaction-based chemistries.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.
• Quality control experience in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Quality inspection experience.
• Familiarity with testing instrumentation.
• Excellent communication skills.