Aerospace Lubricants - Chemist II

Aerospace Lubricants, a subsidiary of AMSOIL, is a specialty grease manufacturer located in Columbus, Ohio. We manufacture products for everything from defense systems and spacecraft to offshore boats and motorcycles. Aerospace Lubricants has an exciting opportunity as a Chemist II.
A Chemist II demonstrates skills necessary for the evaluation of lubricants and related materials for R&D projects and QC processes. They are capable of developing and maintaining laboratory capabilities and facilities to ensure quality data is provided to the organization in a safe and efficient manner. They are key in working with Quality Management and Production to ensure lab capabilities continue to meet QC needs, as well as ensure resolution of production or supplier quality concerns.

Core Responsibilities

Routine and Advanced Laboratory Testing:

• Perform various physical and chemical testing, both qualitative and quantitative, to enable the development of experimental products. Align with R&D Chemists to provide inputs and test feedback to formulation design.
• Provide technical reports summarizing lab test approach and results. Store related test records in documents in accordance to lab best practices.
• Support product development and other business functions as a technical consultant and provide organization to the evaluation/testing on submitted sample requests. Report findings in a clear, complete, accurate, and timely manner.
• Work with team to provide services toward the blending and packaging of experimental formulation for internal and external testing.
• Support QC efforts as needed. Provide backfill to critical testing when necessary and support problem solving for lab and production processes as called upon. Provide guidance and inputs to CoA generation as necessary. Continuously seek opportunities for improvements to QC lab and production processes to improve quality, productivity, and safety.
• Provide expertise to support the troubleshooting of product and lab test data quality. Work in an organized and scientific manner to address any challenges at hand. Share lessons learned and implement corrective actions with the team. Work with external partners to receive support to troubleshooting as necessary or as assigned by leadership.

Sustain and Develop Lab Capabilities:

• Proactively review and update lab processes and procedures to ensure alignment to current and best practices. Work with team and leadership to identify areas for continued documentation of lab methods. Develop documentation as identified or assigned.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvements in lab efficiency, speed, and accuracy of laboratory processes.
• Work with team on project and testing workflow, and data management processes. Develop and document new processes and adhere to existing processes.
• Contribute to the use and management of digital records, file organization, and continuous improvement efforts related to the laboratory electronic notebook and information systems.
• Review and establish procedures to maintain all analytical instruments in proper calibration. Support instrument preventative maintenance, calibration and verification processes as assigned by leadership and team leads. Ensure calibration/verification processes are robust for all lab equipment and testing, and associated data is traceable and robust to ensure quality conformance of our laboratory.
• Ensure routine laboratory testing follows ASTM methods or documented in house methods.
• Seek opportunities to evaluate and improve current lab techniques and capabilities (gauge R&R) as well as develop and document new test methods for analytical equipment.
• Support efforts to identify, procure, and implement new equipment.

Laboratory Safety and Facilities:

• Support company safety initiatives and training as assigned and required. Potential assignments included role as Chemical Hygiene Officer, Spill Response Team Member, and/or member of the AMSOIL Safety Team.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient laboratory environment. Provide inputs to continuous improvement efforts to maintain safety and organization of the lab.
• Execute and adhere to all EHS requirements as well as maintain a safe work environment and follow internal safety rules and procedures including, but not limited to, wearing proper PPE as appropriate.
• Ensure laboratory supplies are maintained, and critical solutions, standards, and supplies are kept on hand. Organize and maintain laboratory chemical and sample inventory.

Teamwork, Personal Development and Communication:

• Provide mentorship and cross training to lab technicians.
• Pursue continued technical growth and stay current with new technologies and best practices in the lab and technical space of AMSOIL.
• Clearly communicates all critical issues and problems concerning quality assurance, test and/or equipment problems, schedule changes, production problems, etc.
• Demonstrate proficiency in written communications, especially in the area of technical reporting and creating Work Instructions.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineer, or Materials Science is required.
• 3+ years of experience required.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High level of aptitude and interest in the lubrication industry and laboratory testing.
• Thorough understanding of chemistry, materials science, and associated testing.
• Excellent test planning, data analysis and reporting skills.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Adaptable to an environment with shifting priorities, demands and timelines.
• Organized with a keen attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical and non-technical team members.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other staff, and upper management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other software required.
• Experience in data analysis techniques and tools.
• Ability to work alone and in a team environment.
• Ability to perform basic maintenance on laboratory equipment.
• Mindfulness to responsibilities to laboratory safety and best practices.
• Ensure a firm foundation of credibility, reliability, precision, accuracy, legibility and completeness as supplement to other performance requirements.

Other Details

• Pay Type: Salaried
• Pay Range: $77,200 to $90,800

(Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, and/or skillset)

Benefits:

• Paid time off and paid holidays each year
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• Competitive health benefits
• Health saving account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) options
• Affordable group dental, vision, critical illness, and accident insurance
• Employee discount on AMSOIL products

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please email: [email protected]

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
AMSOIL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment policies and decisions on employment and promotion are based on merit, qualifications, performance and business needs. The decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state or local statutes.