Chemist Metallurgist

Position Summary

The Chemist / Metallurgist is responsible for providing technical expertise and laboratory support for aerospace plating and metal finishing operations. This position oversees chemical analysis, plating bath maintenance, metallurgical testing, process monitoring, and technical troubleshooting to ensure all processes meet stringent aerospace industry, customer, and regulatory requirements.

The individual will work closely with Quality, Engineering, and Production to maintain process integrity, ensure compliance with applicable aerospace specifications, investigate process discrepancies, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Chemical Analysis and Process Control

• Perform routine chemical analysis of plating baths, chemical solutions, cleaning solutions, and other process chemicals.
• Monitor and maintain chemical concentrations, pH levels, temperature, and other critical process parameters.
• Perform titrations and other laboratory testing to determine chemical bath composition.
• Establish and maintain chemical bath control limits and testing frequencies.
• Recommend chemical additions and adjustments to maintain process requirements.
• Monitor bath contamination and identify potential process concerns.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, test results, and chemical analysis documentation.
• Identify and communicate out-of-specification conditions immediately.

2. Metallurgical Testing and Evaluation

• Perform metallurgical testing to verify compliance with aerospace and customer specifications.
• Conduct coating thickness measurements and hardness testing.
• Evaluate plating adhesion, coating integrity, and other applicable material characteristics.
• Support destructive and nondestructive testing as required.
• Analyze test results and identify potential metallurgical or processing issues.
• Assist with failure analysis and investigations involving plating defects or material nonconformances.
• Prepare technical reports documenting test results and findings.

3. Aerospace Plating Process Support

• Provide technical support to Production regarding plating processes and chemical controls.
• Ensure plating operations are maintained within established process specifications.
• Assist with process development, validation, qualification, and approval activities.
• Support process troubleshooting and root cause investigations.
• Work with Engineering and Quality to develop and improve process controls.
• Assist with evaluating new chemicals, materials, and plating processes.
• Support compliance with applicable aerospace customer requirements and industry specifications, including ASTM, AMS, and other applicable standards.

4. Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure laboratory testing and process documentation meet applicable aerospace quality requirements.
• Support AS9100 quality system requirements and Nadcap Chemical Processing accreditation requirements, where applicable.
• Assist with internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Review and interpret customer specifications and technical requirements.
• Support corrective and preventive action investigations.
• Maintain accurate and traceable laboratory records.
• Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Ensure all testing and process documentation is completed accurately and within established timelines.

5. Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Follow all chemical handling, storage, and disposal requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Follow all company safety policies and required PPE procedures.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Metallurgy, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• Previous experience in aerospace plating, metal finishing, chemical processing, or a related manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of electroplating, electroless plating, anodizing, chemical processing, or other aerospace surface treatment processes.
• Experience with chemical bath analysis, titrations, and laboratory testing.
• Knowledge of metallurgical testing methods, including coating thickness, hardness, and adhesion testing.
• Ability to interpret aerospace specifications, engineering drawings, and technical requirements.
• Familiarity with AMS specifications, ASTM standards, AS9100, and Nadcap Chemical Processing requirements preferred.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to Production, Quality, and Engineering personnel.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility.
• Ability to lift laboratory materials and supplies as required.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work safely around chemicals and industrial processing equipment.

Performance Expectations

• Maintain accurate and timely chemical bath analysis and process monitoring.
• Ensure plating processes remain within established specifications.
• Identify and communicate chemical or metallurgical discrepancies promptly.
• Provide effective technical support to Production and Quality.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory documentation.
• Support successful customer and accreditation audits.
• Promote consistent process quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Salary: $120,000-$150,000/Year

This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Persons”