Lead Chemist - Houston, TX

Lead Chemist salary range $31.25 to $40.87

The Lead Chemist will be responsible for laboratory analysis and gravimetric blending functions. In addition, the Lead Chemist will develop the daily work schedule based on plant and customer priorities; maintain all required records and documentation, answer technical questions for internal and external customers, ensure that calibration, routine and preventative maintenance are completed; work in a manner that improves individual and team safety; and performs other duties as needed to support the Quality Assurance laboratory.

Essential Functions

Analyzes gases to test for impurities of gas or mixture concentration using gas chromatography and other process analyzers.

• Completes statistical analysis of testing data.
• Prepares Certificates of Conformance and Analysis according to procedures, work instructions and specifications.
• Tests and certifies incoming raw materials for production.
• Establishes and maintains analytical procedures and methods.
• Ensures lab has all the supplies needed including lab standards.
• Performs basic troubleshooting for common GC and lab instrument issues.
• Assists auditors, internal and external, by finding requested documentation and answering their questions.
• Calculates, prepares, and fills medical and specialty gas mixtures using partial pressure and gravimetric techniques.
• Reviews customer orders to assure feasibility and safety of custom gas blends
• Keeps working area clean and orderly and ensures that 5S status is maintained.
• Completes monthly reporting requirements.
• Maintains all quality control records and other required documentation per procedures.
• Writes and/or updates local work instructions.
• All other duties as assigned by Regional Lab Manager.
• All other duties as assigned by Hub Plant Manager.
• Performs routine maintenance and calibration on analytical equipment.
• If lab product is non-conforming or out of specification, follows procedures to resolve issue, participates in Material Review Board to help determine the disposition of the product, provides feedback to operations.
• Maintains all laboratory required records, lab notebooks, and electronic files.
• Participates in all required safety activities such as meetings, monthly expectations, and safety committee meetings.
• Develops daily sample analysis and blending schedule based on customer and plant priorities.
• Assists with identifying and developing solutions for technical problems and testing procedures.
• Interfaces with gas manufacturing personnel and customers to provide technical support as required.

Required for All Jobs

Performs other duties as assigned

Complies with all policies and standards

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Major in Chemistry from four-year college or university or 3 years of analytical experience -Preferred

Work Experience

1-3 years - Two to three years related experience and/or training in laboratory environment or equivalent combination of education and experience - Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret work instructions, procedures, and manuals.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to write reports that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Ability to effectively present information to managers and employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of analytical statistics and algebra.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.,)
• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work independently as well as with others.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of analytical testing equipment and specialty gases

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

The employee is regularly required to talk or hear (e.g. answering phone).

The employee frequently is required to walk (e.g. around warehouse); sit (e.g. computer work); and use hands to finger, handle, or feel (e.g. testing, computer work).

The employee is occasionally required to stand (e.g. reading gauges).

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds (e.g. office supplies) and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (e.g. small cylinders, equipment).

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus (e.g. computer work and testing equipment).

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth under EEOC. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. EOE AA M/F/VET/Disability.