Industrial Lab Technician, Refining

Hoover & Strong – Industrial Lab Technician, Refining Hoover & Strong (Chesterfield, Virginia)

Hoover & Strong, a family‑owned jewelry manufacturer and refiner that produces over 30,000 eco‑friendly and responsibly sourced jewelry products, is looking for a lab technician who will learn century‑old techniques and modern‑day refining processes. The successful candidate will refine scrap into pure metals, which will be recycled and made into thousands of jewelry products, and conduct chemical and physical processes using fundamental chemical understanding.

Because this is a specialized field, Hoover & Strong will provide all required technical training and support for this position. All candidates need is a strong chemistry background, and eagerness to learn, and a desire to make this a career and enjoy greater rewards while learning our confidential refining process.

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry required.
• Minimum two years of laboratory experience in a chemical processing or manufacturing facility preferred.
• Requires experience with wet chemical techniques, especially those involving inorganic materials.
• Strong mathematical skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and through documentation.
• Lifting is required occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with an XRF Spectrometer preferred but not required.
• Professional training and understanding of OSHA compliance requirements preferred but not required.

• Refine specialty metals using chemical and electrolytic methods. Follow routine tasks accurately and abide by strict methodologies to insure proper refining.
• Conduct tests and inspections to monitor product quality and ensure compliance with service, standards and specifications.
• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems in production.
• Monitor gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure equipment is working properly.
• Chemically small batch refine customer scrap to remove and return customer stones.
• Monitor air and wastewater treatment area to ensure green processes are maintained to highest standards.
• Provide technical support and assistance to refining team.
• Ensure the laboratory is cleaned, well‑stocked and resourced. Order and inventory materials to maintain production supplies.

Resource Management 10%

• Keep up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability.
• Annually review processes for quality and performance to update Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).
• Balance multiple projects and oversee their completion from start to finish.

Our benefits package includes:

• Paid time off – 14 days (pro‑rated first year)
• Nine paid holidays
• Eligibility for 401k, with company profit‑sharing contributions
• Company contribution to your medical and dental plans
• Voluntary vision and supplemental insurance available
• Company‑paid tuition reimbursement for qualified courses
• Performance bonuses and Spot Awards
• Monthly luncheons, cookouts and other fun activities

Days only—no shift work

Hoover & Strong is a 108 year‑old, family‑owned jewelry manufacturer and refiner. We cater to the jewelry industry by manufacturing over 30,000 eco‑friendly and responsibly sourced jewelry products, all made in the USA. Our products and services include jewelry, contract casting, findings, mill products, and eco‑friendly metal refining.

Five generations of Hoover leadership, along with a team of over 125 enthusiastic and dedicated coworkers have created a progressive, family‑oriented work environment that encourages personal growth, the sharing of creative ideas and responsible practices. Our work ethic is strong and we strive for excellence and innovation in everything that we do. Providing high qualité products and professional services is our passion and we do it all in a casual, non‑corporate atmosphere with respect and appreciation for one another.
Make a difference in YOUR life and become a part of the Hoover family!