Analytical Chemist

Job Title:

Analytical Chemist

Job Description

The Analytical Chemist supports a busy laboratory team by performing analytical testing, wet chemistry, and technical service activities for metal coatings and finishing applications. During the training period, you work closely with experienced lab staff to learn internal processes, testing requirements, customer expectations, and industry-specific methods. This role is ideal for someone early in their career who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, problem solving, and collaborating with technical and commercial teams.

Responsibilities

+ Perform daily analytical testing based on customer requirements, including support for Tier 1 and OEM customers.

+ Conduct wet chemistry analyses such as pH testing, viscosity measurements, titrations, and related analytical procedures.

+ Operate and support a range of laboratory instruments, including HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, Leica 3D microscope, environmental salt chambers, and corrosion chambers.

+ Accurately record test results in Excel spreadsheets and upload data into a cloud-based laboratory information system.

+ Provide technical support to sales and technical service representatives for internal needs and customer projects.

+ Assist with customer projects by helping set up testing procedures and ensuring that proper analysis methods are followed.

+ Develop, validate, and improve test methods for raw materials and finished products using titrations, HPLC, IC, and other analytical techniques.

+ Investigate and implement new tests, methods, instrumentation, and procedures when needed to enhance laboratory capabilities.

+ Maintain laboratory equipment by supporting maintenance and calibration schedules to ensure reliable performance.

+ Follow industry standards, safety regulations, and proper procedures for handling and disposing of test samples.

+ Maintain cleanliness and organization of chemical laboratories and pilot line areas.

+ Collaborate with and support other lab team members as needed and complete additional technical service-related tasks assigned by leadership.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in chemistry; a degree in biochemistry may be considered as an alternative.

+ 0-2 years of laboratory experience, including hands-on wet chemistry gained through school, internship, or industry roles.

+ Comfort working with wet and analytical chemistry techniques such as pH testing, viscosity testing, titrations, and related analysis procedures.

+ Strong math skills and the ability to accurately document test results and observations.

+ Ability to follow safety regulations and proper procedures for sample handling and disposal.

+ Professional communication skills and the ability to support internal team members and customer-related testing needs.

+ Experience in a laboratory environment performing wet chemistry and basic analytical testing.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+

Experience with analytical instruments such as HPLC, IC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, torque testing equipment, corrosion chambers, salt chambers, or microscopy systems.

+ Familiarity with cloud-based laboratory information systems or experience uploading test data into shared digital systems.

+ Exposure to metal coatings, metal finishing, corrosion testing, automotive environments, or working with Tier 1 or OEM customers.

+ Ability to help improve existing analysis procedures and develop more efficient or accurate test methods.

+ Interest in supporting continuous improvement of laboratory methods, instrumentation, and workflows.

+ Ability to work effectively in a smaller company environment where collaboration and long-term commitment are valued.

Work Environment

This role is based in a laboratory focused on surface finishing chemicals and metal coatings, with a long history of providing technologically advanced, innovative products to industrial customers worldwide. You work on-site in a chemistry lab environment that emphasizes safety, precision, and continuous learning. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You regularly use advanced analytical instruments such as HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, Leica 3D microscopes, environmental salt chambers, corrosion chambers, and a variety of wet chemistry tools.

The organization promotes ongoing education and training, encourages collaboration with research universities and organizations, and invests in research facilities to advance technological capabilities. The culture reflects a smaller-company feel where employees who stay and grow with the organization are recognized and rewarded with annual increases and bonuses, and where loyalty, technical excellence, and long-term development are highly valued.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Livonia, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job…