Associate Chemist

Overview

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
As an Associate Chemist at MKS | Atotech in the GMF industry, your day will begin with receiving and preparing samples for analysis, followed by conducting chemical testing using techniques such as UV-Vis, FTIR, and HPLC. You will spend the majority of your time in the laboratory or at your workstation, documenting results in digital systems and collaborating with production and quality teams to ensure materials meet required specifications.

As part of your responsibilities, you will be trained and certified to safely operate a forklift, supporting the movement of chemical shipments and supplies throughout the facility. The environment is fast‑paced and safety‑focused, providing opportunities to contribute to product quality, process improvements, and overall site operations. In this role, you will report to the Site Manager.

• Perform various laboratory tasks such as preparing chemical solutions, conducting experiments, and operating laboratory equipment safely and efficiently.
• Collect and analyze experimental data using various techniques and instrumentation (e.g., UV‑Vis, FTIR, HPLC).
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, procedures, and results in laboratory notebooks or electronic databases, ensuring all documentation meets regulatory and quality standards.
• Assist in quality control procedures to ensure that products meet specifications and regulatory requirements, including conducting tests on raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to maintain a safe working environment; follow SOPs and regulatory requirements related to chemical handling, storage, and disposal.
• Perform warehouse functions – shipping and receiving chemical products.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 1+ year of related experience.
• Familiarity with instrumentation and chemical safety.
• Must either have hi‑lo forklift experience or be willing to learn (mandatory function).
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

• Prior experience with troubleshooting analytical instruments.
• Experience with SAP and related software.
• General knowledge of lab tools such as pipettes, burettes, balances and other labware.
• Working knowledge of analytical instrumentation such as GC, IC, HPLC, UV‑VIS, AAS, ICP.

Perform activities such as sitting, standing, for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination. Frequently positions self to perform tasks and positions objects below, at, and above shoulder level. Ability to remain in a stationary position for 60‑80% of the time. Must be able to safely operate a forklift (training and certification within 30 days of hire).

Operates in a laboratory/manufacturing environment. Noise levels in the work environment are typically moderate. Occasional exposure to chemicals and fumes may occur; adherence to safety guidelines is mandatory.

This position is onsite and candidates must be within commutable distance to Sterling, MI. Relocation benefits are not available. We are seeking qualified candidates eligible to work in the United States and will not be sponsoring work visas for this position at this time. MKS is an equal‑opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, non‑citizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries are affirmative action and equal opportunity employers: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.