Analytical and Physical Chemist

Precise Systems, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 77,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and AD&D coverage

Disability insurance

Retirement plans

Holiday pay

Employee-managed leave

Professional growth opportunities

STAR Award recognition program

Job summary

Precise Systems, Inc. is seeking an Analytical and Physical Chemist with 3-5 years of experience to assess the environmental fate of chemicals.

The role focuses on hazard assessment of emerging compounds, including analysis via GC, GC-MS, LC-MS and related techniques, with an emphasis on toxic substances in environmental samples. The position requires in-person support and collaboration across chemists, biologists, chemical engineers, and material scientists to advance mission-critical programs.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of practical laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience with vapor pressure measurement methods, mass spectrometry, GC and LC techniques.
• Proven experience in sample preparation for complex matrices.
• Meticulous documentation and SOP development.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead on new and ongoing research programs to meet goals.
• Perform instrumental analysis and environmental exposure experiments of toxic compounds.
• Analyze samples from vapor, soil, water, and tissue using GC, GC-MS, LC-MS and LC-MS/MS.
• Determine chemical properties such as vapor pressure, solubility, density, and stability.
• Develop and maintain lab procedures, SOPs, and progress reports.
• Support lab management, inventories, and hazardous materials handling.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Mass spectrometry

Gas chromatography

Liquid chromatography

Laboratory skills

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or closely related field

Tools

GC-FPD

GC-MS

LC-MS

LC-MS/MS

Thermal desorption

Pyrolysis

Job description

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 an Analytical and Physical Chemist with 3-5 years of experience in determining the environmental fate of chemicals. This position supports the initial hazard assessment of emerging hazardous and toxic compounds by evaluating stability, transport and partitioning, degradation, persistence, physical, and chemical properties. The incumbent may also assess the environmental impacts and hazards associated with toxic materials following dissemination or environmental exposure. Experience with thermal desorption, pyrolysis, 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) is a plus. This position requires an emphasis on the chemical analysis of toxic compounds and their 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 supports many scientists across the center, including chemists, biologists, chemical engineers, and material scientists.

This role requires in‑person support.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Support new and ongoing research programs as a technical lead and research team member to meet program goals and objectives.
• Routinely perform 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:
• Thermal desorption
• Pyrolysis
• 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)
• 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 (IOPs), SOPs, 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.
• Prepare monthly progress reports and maintain routine communication with program customers, stakeholders, and internal technical teams.

Required Education

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Environmental/Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.

Required Experience

• 3-5 years of practical laboratory experience.
• Hands‑on experience utilizing vapor pressure measurement methods, mass spectrometry, gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography.
• Proven experience in sample preparation techniques, particularly for complex matrices.
• Strong general laboratory skills and direct experience with laboratory equipment maintenance.
• Meticulous documentation in laboratory notebooks, authorship of technical reports, and drafting of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ability to function effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
• Effective time management skills; self‑starter; attention to detail.
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments; strong critical thinking and problem‑solving capabilities.

Desired Qualifications

• A degree in chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental science, chemical engineering, toxicology, materials science, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience conducting laboratory research involving hazardous materials, chemical analysis, environmental fate, chemical properties, or related technical areas.
• Working knowledge of vapor pressure determination, chromatographic and mass‑spectrometric analytical techniques, particularly GC‑MS, LC‑MS, and LC‑MS/MS.
• Experience preparing analytical standards, performing instrument calibration, and supporting quality‑control or calibration‑verification activities.
• Ability to develop laboratory procedures, test plans, technical reports, and progress updates.
• Demonstrated attention to laboratory safety, chemical inventory control, waste‑management procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical findings to customers and program stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position involves hands‑on laboratory research and may require work with hazardous or unusual materials, specialized analytical instrumentation, and controlled environmental testing systems. The selected candidate must comply with all applicable organizational safety, security, chemical‑handling, records, and laboratory‑operating procedures.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer‑related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• Disability insurance
• Retirement plans
• Holiday pay
• Employee‑managed leave
• Professional growth opportunities
• STAR Award recognition program

Compensation

Compensation at Precise Systems is determined by various factors, including education, experience, skills, competencies, and contract‑specific requirements. The salary range for this position is $76,709.46 to $115,064.18 (annualized USD). This range represents the standard pay for this role and is just one component of Precise Systems’ total compensation package.

Equal Opportunity / EEO Statement

Precise Systems is dedicated to a shared vision and core values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, which foster innovation and drive our continued success in the global marketplace. Precise Systems and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. Precise Systems participates in E-Verify.