CHEMICAL TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

A Chemical Technician keeps production chemistry within specification. In industrial manufacturing, that means monitoring electroplating bath parameters, managing process tank chemistry, and ensuring that coating operations meet both customer tolerances and regulatory requirements under OSHA, EPA, and RCRA. The role sits on the production floor, accountable to operations and EHS leadership for daily chemical integrity. It demands hands-on precision: when bath chemistry drifts or a hazmat release goes uncontained, product quality and compliance status follow immediately.

As the Chemical Technician, you are responsible for the day-to-day chemical monitoring, analysis, and compliance documentation that keep industrial manufacturing processes within specification and regulatory standing. You work directly alongside production floor supervisors, EHS personnel, and quality teams, operating across process tanks, lab benches, and storage areas to maintain chemical integrity from intake through waste disposal.

Career Impact: Hands-on mastery of electroplating chemistry, HAZWOPER-level hazmat handling, and process control documentation positions a Chemical Technician as a credible specialist across surface finishing and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Business Impact: Production schedules, product coating quality, and RCRA compliance outcomes all depend directly on the accuracy of the chemistry monitoring and tank management this role performs daily.

Growth Opportunity: Experience across process control, root cause analysis, and regulatory compliance creates a clear foundation toward roles such as Chemical Process Operator, EHS Coordinator, or Quality Assurance Specialist within industrial manufacturing.

• Monitor electroplating bath and process tank parameters, including pH, temperature, concentration, and chloride levels, to maintain product quality standards.
• Perform quantitative chemical analysis and document results at required intervals in compliance with established SOPs and regulatory requirements.
• Inspect and maintain coating application equipment and chemical storage systems to ensure proper working condition.
• Transport, store, and manage hazardous chemical inventories in accordance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and RCRA requirements.
• Respond to hazardous materials releases and execute spill containment procedures using chemical detection equipment and PPE.
• Conduct root cause analysis for chemical non-conformances and communicate corrective actions to production floor supervisors and program management.
• Support preventive maintenance activities including equipment backwash, drain-and-replenish cycles, and calibration of pH probes.

• High school diploma or GED; associate's or bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical technology, or a related field preferred.
• 2 or more years of chemical technician or industrial laboratory experience, with direct exposure to process chemistry or surface finishing operations.
• HAZWOPER 40-hour training certification or demonstrated eligibility and commitment to obtain within a defined onboarding period.
• Working knowledge of chemical analysis techniques including quantitative testing, titration, and pH measurement in a production environment.
• Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, and RCRA regulatory requirements governing chemical handling, storage, and waste disposal.
• Ability to read and follow written SOPs, maintain accurate logs, and produce clear documentation for compliance and quality records.
• Physical capability to lift to 50 lbs., operate pallet jacks and forklifts when certified, and wear required PPE including respirator, face shield, and chemical-resistant gloves.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to relay chemical status and non-conformance findings to supervisors and cross-functional teams.

• Prior experience in electroplating, surface finishing, or coating operations with direct responsibility for bath chemistry management.
• Familiarity with JIT, VMI, or vendor-managed chemical inventory programs in an aerospace or precision manufacturing environment.
• Experience conducting chemical compatibility assessments and supporting customer-facing quality or audit processes.
• Exposure to enterprise data systems for recording maintenance requests, raw material quantities, and finished product data.

• Electroplating bath parameter adherence rate, measured against defined acceptable ranges per shift.
• Frequency and completeness of required interval documentation, tracked against SOP-mandated check schedules.
• Hazardous materials release response time, from incident identification to containment confirmation.
• Non-conformance root cause closure rate, reflecting how effectively identified chemical discrepancies are resolved.
• Inventory accuracy percentage, measured at scheduled cycle counts against system records.
• Typical tools: process chemistry analyzers (commonly pH meters, titration equipment); inventory and ERP systems (commonly SAP, MS Excel)

• Base Salary Range: $42,000 to $62,000 annually, depending on experience and location
• Bonus: Discretionary annual bonus, typically 3% to 6% of base salary
• Equity: Generally not offered at this level in manufacturing environments
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contributes a portion of premiums
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus standard US public holidays
• Common Perks: Safety boot and PPE allowance, shift differential for non-standard hours, tuition reimbursement for technical certification programs

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

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include verification of prior employment, criminal history, and, where applicable, a pre-employment drug screening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under 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 Technician leads hands-on technical support for explosives research and programmatic activities within the Energetic Materials Group of the Materials Science Division, encompassing processing operations such as melt casting, injection molding, and synthesis. Reporting to scientific and technical staff in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, this role shapes research outcomes by acquiring and interpreting complex data, conducting peer reviews, and advancing development needs in energetic materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technical personnel to provide general technical support to various programmatic tasks and explosives research efforts, with strong emphasis on the chemistry of manufacturing and processing of high explosives and special explosives parts.
• Perform operations with chemistry processing systems, including grinding, sieving, melt casting, vacuum casting, injection molding, mixing, slurry coating, pressing, synthesis, and hazardous waste management, and fulfill duties such as room responsibilities for equipment, labs, work cells, and bays.
• Contribute to aging and compatibility work by preparing assemblies containing explosives, polymers, and metals, performing gas extraction, recording results, and communicating with colleagues and supervisors.
• Acquire, analyze, and interpret moderately complex data, and provide solutions to complex technical problems.
• Plan and select methodology and procedures to attain desired goals in routine activities.
• Conduct, coordinate, and document procedures and peer reviews.
• Perform work as an explosives handler, and routinely work hands-on with energetic materials of all types.
• Report results on projects involving the processing of explosives.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in chemistry, materials science, engineering, or environmental technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with an experimental team under conflicting and rigorous deadlines with general supervision.
• Experience with explosive formulation and processing, including grinding, sieving, melt casting, vacuum casting, injection molding, and formulation and pressing of plastic bonded explosives.
• Experience with fabrication of large explosive parts.
• Knowledge of chemistry and materials science, with advanced specialized technical expertise in one or more areas.
• Knowledge of safety rules and procedures for experimental support, techniques, and execution.
• Knowledge of programs in energetic materials or environmental health and safety rules and regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to present results verbally and through written reports.

Embedded within a client-facing research and development environment, the Chemical Technician performs routine and complex analytical work, including mass spectrometry-based method validations, extractable-leachable correlation studies, and leachable studies for materials characterization. Working closely with senior staff, management, and scientific colleagues, this role builds client understanding by directly appreciating the impact of analytical outcomes on patient quality of life.

Core Functions

• Perform routine analyses independently, following a written method or protocol.
• Perform complex analyses under supervision.
• Contribute to extractable studies, extractable-leachable correlation studies, mass spectrometry-based method validations, leachable studies, and material characterization studies as part of a team.
• Process mass spectrometry data for extractable and leachable studies under supervision.
• Author reports for routine analyses independently and contribute to reports for complex studies with supervision.
• Follow current procedures and regulations as directed by senior staff and management.
• Write procedures, observations, and results in notebooks.
• Prepare standards, solutions, and samples using a variety of techniques.
• Perform automated and manual sample extractions as required.
• Measure, collect, and record test data in accordance with written procedures.
• Perform basic calculations and tasks essential for laboratory maintenance, operation, and quality assurance.
• Collaborate with colleagues on laboratory techniques, sample preparation, instrumentation, data analysis, documentation, and safety.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, protocols, safety policies, methods, and government rules and regulations.
• Use computer systems and software programs to acquire and document results.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor of Science or higher in chemistry or a related field.
• Plus 1 or more years of work experience.
• Experience in a research and development environment preferred.
• Experience with HPLC or GC instrumentation.
• Experience with LC-MS and/or GC-MS instrumentation preferred.
• Basic understanding of mass spectrometry.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational skills and detail orientation.
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment.

Reporting to senior chemical engineers, the Chemical Technician performs chemical and physical characterization of solutions and mixtures, operating 3D printers and inkjet printing platforms to develop optimal jetting conditions for R&D formulations. Partnering with the broader laboratory team, this role delivers product and process improvements by organizing and communicating experimental conclusions that inform formulation development.

Primary Duties

• Operate 3D printers according to provided SOPs and analyze generated parts through mechanical and analytical chemical tests.
• Operate an inkjet printing platform to develop optimal jetting conditions for R&D formulations.
• Characterize physical properties of chemical solutions, such as pH, viscosity, and surface tension, according to written test procedures, and maintain accurate test records.
• Formulate chemical mixtures in the laboratory according to formulations and procedures developed by senior chemical engineers, and maintain meticulous batch records and observations.
• Organize and analyze data, and communicate experimental conclusions to the team in oral and/or written form.
• Review, edit, and write SOPs for procedures related to primary lab responsibilities.
• Contribute ideas for product and process improvements.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by adhering to safety and chemical hygiene policies.
• Maintain chemical inventory records and order materials.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or biochemistry.
• 4 years of experience working in a chemical laboratory environment.
• Experience in operating 3D printers and/or development of inkjet-able fluids preferred.
• Familiarity with basic statistics and DOE software packages such as JMP or Minitab.
• Proficiency in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, or Microsoft equivalent.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team structure with rapidly shifting priorities.

Sitting at the intersection of chemical process control and quality assurance, the Chemical Technician owns day-to-day electroplating operations by performing quantitative analysis of plating bath parameters, monitoring process control systems, and managing emergency shutdown procedures. Operating across equipment areas including glass seal, alum chromate, and phoscoat operations, this role ensures an accurate, quality product through rigorous documentation and adherence to safety and environmental standards.

Duties

• Operate equipment and perform required duties, and maintain familiarity with all safety, environmental, and emergency procedures for equipment in each functional area.
• Perform quantitative analysis for soak clean, electroclean, acid, and plating bath parameters, including trivalent chromates and glass seal specifications.
• Perform and document all checks at required intervals, including calibration and cleaning of pH probes and preventive maintenance of sand filters.
• Know and understand reactionary procedures for deviations or out-of-range conditions, including high/low pH readings and excessive iron or copper levels.
• Know and understand shutdown and emergency shutdown procedures for electroplate operations.
• Assist with operations of the electroplating lines, including box ovens, tub staging, tub loading, dryer operations, and thickness testing of product.
• Monitor electroplate line tanks for proper operating level and adjust as necessary.
• Move all spent barrels to the proper location for rinsing, and perform visual observations on concentrated chemical containers for leaks and low quantities.
• Ensure all work activities are performed in accordance with established safety and environmental standards, and maintain full compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Document all required records accurately and in accordance with procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a plating or similar role, with demonstrated use of basic math skills.
• Experience with the operation of electroplating lines and associated equipment.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry.
• Knowledge of measuring equipment, with the ability to accurately weigh and mix chemicals per instructions.
• Ability to read charts and graphs and follow instructions closely.
• Meticulous recordkeeping skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate a forklift.
• Ability to read, write, and perform simple math.

A key member of the plant chemistry team, the Chemical Technician II supports chemical-related troubleshooting and process monitoring across power plant systems, collecting process and environmental samples to uphold regulatory compliance and plant production. Collaborating across management, technical personnel, and operations teams, this role builds plant reliability by communicating chemical process conditions and ensuring cost-effective, safety-conscious use of resources.

Functions

• Support chemical-related troubleshooting activities on power plant systems and equipment.
• Collect process and environmental samples to support plant production and regulatory compliance.
• Collect data and monitor performance of plant chemical treatment systems.
• Operate lab equipment and perform chemical analysis and calculations.
• Maintain proper QA/QC documentation and chemical inventories as needed.
• Support chemical cleaning activities as required.
• Obtain and maintain required water licensing for potable water sampling.
• Ensure resources are used in a cost-effective manner and support the importance of safety and environmental programs.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 8 college hours in chemistry and 2 years of power plant chemical experience.
• 4 years of industrial/power plant chemical experience.
• Working knowledge of chemistry principles, laboratory techniques, and lab equipment operation.
• Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations.
• Ability to understand the effects of chemical analysis results on plant operations.
• Ability to use a personal computer and associated software applications to enter and evaluate data and create reports.
• Ability to use basic math and algebra to perform calculations.
• Ability to read, create, and follow written procedures and technical documents.
• Ability to perform minor adjustments and connect/disconnect equipment on lab instruments.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Delivering the highest level of product quality and value to Waters-ERA customers depends on the Chemical Technician, who manufactures and analytically verifies inorganic products, performs benchtop wet chemistry using EPA and standard methods, and peer-reviews manufacturing data. Based within the Inorganic manufacturing team and working directly with the floor lead, Operations, Quality, and EH&S, this role delivers measurable quality outcomes by supporting process improvements and ensuring all products meet quality assurance requirements.

Accountabilities

• Manufacture, analytically verify, and produce inorganic products to meet customer delivery dates.
• Support the environmental team with process improvements, technical issues, and documentation.
• Collaborate with the planner and environmental team to meet the production schedule.
• Perform benchtop wet chemistry analysis using EPA and standard methods.
• Peer-review manufacturing and analytical verification data.
• Ensure all products and data generated meet quality assurance requirements.
• Participate in improving processes and updating SOP documents.
• Participate in external audits conducted on the lab floor.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field.
• 1 or more years of environmental laboratory, analytical instrumentation, or similar work experience preferred.
• Experience with ICP-MS, ICP-OES, IC, mercury flow injection analysis, UV-Spec, or ISE meter/probe instrumentation preferred.
• Experience with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).
• Ability to apply scientific and statistical methods for troubleshooting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to review data.

As the Chemical Technician, this role monitors the use and storage of chemicals throughout the manufacturing process, inspects and maintains coating applications, and interacts with paint and mill manufacturing groups to support production continuity. The manufacturing team relies on this work to ensure equipment remains in proper working condition, chemical and hazardous material inventories are maintained, and tube manufacturing processes are audited to specification.

Activities

• Monitor the use and storage of all chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
• Inspect and maintain all coating applications to ensure equipment is in proper working condition.
• Inspect and monitor product after coating.
• Monitor and audit the tube manufacturing process.
• Transport and maintain inventories of hazardous chemicals.
• Initiate and/or perform equipment repair, preventive maintenance, or modifications.
• Interact with paint and mill manufacturing groups.

Position Requirements

• Minimum 1 to 2 years of related job experience or equivalent education.
• Field experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of tools, mechanical systems, and basic chemistry and/or chemical handling.
• Ability to operate a forklift.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision in a team environment.

Chemical Technician delivers technical support for the manufacture of chemical intermediates, dye production, and finished chemical products across eyewear and sunglasses portfolios, including processing and bottling liquids and solids and maintaining all equipment to ensure proper working order. The work directly supports regulatory-compliant and safe operating conditions while sustaining open collaboration with the chemistry team through weekly progress reporting.

Operational Focus

• Process and bottle liquids and solids for shipment.
• Maintain notebooks on all procedures with annotations and indices, and write weekly reports detailing progress, results, comments, and time spent on each project.
• Maintain all equipment to ensure proper working order.
• Maintain clean, orderly, regulatory-compliant, and safe operating conditions.
• Interact openly with members of the chemistry team.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Associate's degree or higher in a technical or business-related field preferred.
• 12 or more months of work experience, including internships, preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Physical ability to assist in moving and handling large quantities of chemicals.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and analytical skills.

The Chemical Technician Lead produces consistent product quality and inventory integrity by serving as the primary customer contact, conducting complex chemical analysis and sampling, performing root cause analysis for non-conformance, and managing hazardous material waste disposal across customer sites and warehouse locations. Reporting to management, this role advances safe and compliant chemical handling by training technicians on the job and implementing inventory control processes aligned with OSHA, EPA, DOT, and RCRA requirements.

Key Deliverables

• Maintain strong knowledge of products, including hardware, chemicals, tooling, and electrical components, as well as inventory systems, quality requirements, and customer plans and specifications.
• Monitor production floor bins and storage cabinets to determine when replenishment of stock is required, and level-load bins as necessary due to back-order conditions.
• Perform inventory inspections and analysis, and conduct periodic data reviews to support machine maintenance as it pertains to fluids.
• Conduct complex analysis and sampling, and review chemical compatibility to determine actions required to conform to customer requirements and industry regulations.
• Perform chemical additions to process tanks per written guidance, and ensure availability and coordinate delivery of necessary chemicals.
• Process machine maintenance by draining, cleaning, and replenishing materials as required.
• Safely coordinate, process, and store hazardous material waste for appropriate disposal, and respond to hazardous materials releases and provide spill cleanup according to standards.
• Support customer requirements about part expedites, non-conformance, and quality issues by performing root cause analysis.
• Maintain communication with customer production floor supervisors and lead persons to assist with new part numbers, bin changes, and bin quantities.
• Maintain floor cleanliness, apply labels, and repair or replace bins, cabinets, and racks as required.
• Utilize pallet jacks, drum dollies, forklifts, and/or order pickers when trained and certified.
• Follow established work procedures to ensure compliance with all customer site requirements in accordance with safety, security, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA, EPA, DOT, and RCRA.
• Conduct on-the-job training with technicians under management guidance.

Professional Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• College degree preferred.
• HAZWOPER Training (40 hours) required.
• Minimum 2 to 5 years of experience in inventory management, material handling, and production.
• Minimum 2 to 5 years of experience in chemical compatibility preferred.
• Experience with JIT, VMI, or 3PL operations within the aerospace industry required.
• Knowledge of chemical detection devices and associated equipment.
• Clear and accurate data entry and documentation skills.
• Strong proficiency in integrated data systems, including Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Excellent communication skills with direct customer contact experience.
• Ability to actively support and wear required PPE, including respirator, face shield, apron, and gloves.

Embedded within a manufacturing production environment, the Chemical Technician oversees the operation and control of chemical process equipment, monitors process control systems, performs chemical analysis on raw materials and finished products, and writes and reviews standard operating procedures. Working closely with technical and management personnel, this role advances plant safety and product quality standards by maintaining shift logs, conducting equipment inspections, and ensuring regulatory compliance across routine and emergencies.

Areas of Ownership

• Operate and control chemical process equipment, and adjust process equipment and systems as required.
• Monitor and respond to process control systems, recording instruments, flowmeters, gauges, panel alarms and lights, and other indicators to maintain process control, safety standards, quality standards, and efficiency.
• Charge specified amounts of materials into precipitators, and operate valves, conveying systems, and field instrumentation in specified sequence.
• Draw samples of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, and perform chemical analysis as defined in the process control plan.
• Interpret chemical reactions through review of sample analysis, and adjust process conditions as necessary to maintain product quality standards.
• Record process instrument readings, conditions, and other relevant operating information in shift logs, and calculate raw material requirements and product yield as required.
• Complete required paperwork associated with inspections, and make repeated rounds through the production process to visually inspect for leaks and hazards.
• Consult with technical and management personnel and make appropriate adjustments to meet safety, quality, and environmental requirements.
• Perform start-up and shutdown of equipment and processes for routine and emergencies, including cleaning and purging of process equipment and lines.
• Write and/or review job task breakdowns and standard operating procedures.
• Enter data into enterprise management software, including maintenance requests and raw material and finished product quantities.
• Perform routine and non-routine housekeeping tasks to maintain good safety standards.
• Assist technical personnel in plant repairs and inspections, using appropriate tools to open, close, remove, and secure equipment.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Post-high-school training in a technical or manufacturing-related field preferred.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred.
• Sound understanding of straightforward procedures or systems in a production-related setting.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to progress through a job training program and perform multiple roles within a production-related setting.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and oversee activities to efficiently meet business objectives with guidance.
• Ability to develop, monitor, and interpret policies and procedures with guidance.
• Effective verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide technical guidance when required.

Reporting to the manager and project teams, the Chemical Technician II develops working knowledge of floor finish and cleaner formulations by composing product and prototype formulations, conducting physical testing, evaluating products against standard test methods, and developing improved test methods. Partnering with the innovation team on active innovation projects, this role refines laboratory outcomes by conducting field trials at customer locations and maintaining strong written and verbal communication across all assigned work.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and demonstrate working knowledge of basic principles and applications in the area of technical expertise, including making and testing floor finish and cleaner formulations, following and improving test methods, and recording observations from tests.
• Compose product and prototype formulations, conduct physical testing of products and prototypes, and interpret results.
• Evaluate products according to standard test methods and develop new and improved test methods.
• Conduct field trials with new products and prototypes at customer locations.
• Record data and issue reports using good laboratory practice and written communications.
• Support members of the innovation team in innovation projects on a proactive basis.
• Introduce new team members to equipment and its use.
• Regularly communicate progress and requirements to complete assigned work with the manager and project teams.
• Work safely and responsibly, following established safety guidelines.

Background & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent with 10 years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree with entry-level experience.
• Degree in chemistry or a related subject preferred.
• Experience as a laboratory technician preferred.
• Good practical laboratory skills with an aptitude for laboratory work.
• Proficiency in time management, planning, and communication.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Team-oriented, creative, flexible, and proactive disposition.