Analytical and Physical Chemist Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

Precise Systems Inc.; Aberdeen, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Precise Systems seeks an Analytical and Physical Chemist to join our Maryland team for in-person work supporting environmental fate studies of hazardous chemicals. The role emphasizes instrumental analysis, sample preparation for complex matrices, and rigorous documentation.

Requirements include a Ph.D. in a related field and 3–5 years of lab experience, with hands-on GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, and LC-MS/MS exposure. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Environmental/Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• 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.
• Meticulous documentation in laboratory notebooks, authorship of technical reports, and drafting SOPs.
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments; strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for audiences with varying technical backgrounds.

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, GC-FPD, GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS.
• Determine and evaluate chemical physical properties such as vapor pressure, solubility, density, viscosity, surface tension, flash point, and partition coefficients.
• Develop, revise, and maintain laboratory procedures (IOPs), SOPs, test plans, and technical reports.
• Support laboratory management activities, including equipment and supply inventory, chemical tracking, waste-disposal coordination, and maintenance of lab records.
• Prepare monthly progress reports and maintain routine communication with program customers and internal teams.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Environmental fate assessment

Instrumental analysis

Laboratory skills

Documentation & reporting

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Tools

GC

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) a plus. This position requires an emphasis of 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 surety 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

Precise Systems values employee contributions, promotes diverse opportunities for professional growth, and prioritizes overall well-being. Our comprehensive professional services benefits package includes health insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, disability insurance, retirement plans, holiday pay, employee-managed leave, and professional growth opportunities.

We recognize exceptional performance and alignment with our core values through our STAR Award recognition program.

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.

Precise Systems is committed to fair and equitable pay practices in alignment with applicable pay transparency laws and equal employment opportunity standards

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. Visit www.GoPrecise.com for a listing of current openings and our comprehensive, employee friendly benefits summary. Precise Systems participates in E-Verify.