Chemical Agent Analytical Chemist Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

Precise Systems delivers integrated, mission-ready solutions that advance warfighter readiness and strengthen our nation’s most critical defense programs. Through the power of our combined capabilities, we provide deep expertise in Advanced Engineering;
Digital Transformation;
Electromagnetic Warfare;
Interactive Training & Simulation;
Physical Sciences Research;
Platform Lifecycle Support; and Foreign Military Sales. Unified by decades of trusted performance and expanded through strategic growth, our team applies innovative technologies, engineering rigor, and customer-focused execution to solve complex challenges and accelerate mission success. Guided by our commitment to partnership, precision, and performance, we deliver the scalable solutions and technical excellence our customers depend on—today and into the future.

Precise Systems seeks a Chemical Agent Analytical Chemist with 3-5 years of laboratory experience. This position supports the initial hazard assessment of hazardous and toxic compounds by evaluating synthesis routes, physical and chemical properties, and stability. The incumbent may also assess the persistence, degradation, environmental impacts, and hazards associated with toxic materials following dissemination or environmental exposure. Experience with gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) desired, experience with thermal desorption and pyrolysis would be helpful.

This position heavily emphasizes chemical analysis of toxic compounds and extraction from environmental samples. The role requires dedicated problem-solving, keen attention to detail, and a strong foundation in general laboratory skills. The successful applicant will possess a demonstrated aptitude for working both independently and in collaboration with other team members, as this position spans multiple disciplines to include biologists, bioinformaticians, chemical engineers, and material scientists.

• Routinely participate in instrumental analysis and testing and controlled environmental-exposure experiments of known and suspected toxic compounds.
• Analyze samples from a range of matrices—including vapor, soil, water, and tissue—for target compounds and degradation products using analytical instrumentation and methods such as:
  • Gas chromatography with flame photometric detection (GC-FPD)
  • Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
  • Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
  • Tandem liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
  • Thermal desorption
  • Pyrolysis
• Prepare analytical standards from known and suspected toxic compounds to support instrument calibration and calibration-verification requirements.
• Determine and evaluate chemical physical properties, including vapor pressure, solubility, density, viscosity, surface tension, flash point, thermal stability, partition coefficient, and acid dissociation constant.
• Develop, revise, and maintain laboratory procedures, test plans, research documentation, and technical reports.
• Support laboratory management activities, including equipment and supply inventory, chemical tracking, waste-disposal coordination, and maintenance of laboratory procedures and records.

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Chemical/Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field.

• 3-5 years of practical laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience utilizing mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography.
• Proven experience in sample preparation techniques, particularly for complex matrices.
• Strong general laboratory skills and direct experience…