Analytical Chemist

Quaker Houghton; Detroit, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid time off

Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vis​

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer time off

Job summary

Quaker Houghton in Detroit is seeking a chemist skilled in ICP-OES/ICP-MS, ion chromatography, and wet chemistry to evaluate corrosion performance and generate high-accuracy data for R&D and manufacturing collaboration.

The role involves instrument maintenance, method development, and cross-functional support to ensure product reliability and ISO/GLP compliance. A strong data interpretation ability and problem-solving mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.
• 2–7 years hands-on experience with ICP, Wet chemical analysis, and corrosion testing (SST/CCT).
• Strong ability to interpret complex data and communicate findings clearly.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing or materials testing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform elemental analysis using ICP-OES/ICP-MS with calibration and troubleshooting.
• Conduct ion chromatography for anion/cation analysis.
• Execute wet chemistry, titrations and gravimetric tests.
• Conduct corrosion testing and surface characterization.
• Prepare samples via digestion, dilution, filtration, and extraction per SOPs.
• Analyze results, identify trends, and provide technical conclusions.
• Develop and refine analytical and corrosion testing methods.
• Maintain documentation, calibration logs, ISO/GLP compliance.
• Support R&D, manufacturing, and customer teams with insights.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance and coordinate vendor service.
• SEM/EDS operation and preventive maintenance.

Skills

ICP/ICP-MS

Wet chemistry

Corrosion testing

Data analysis

Method development

Quality documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Instrument maintenance

SEM/EDS

Sample preparation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

Materials Science

Tools

ICP-OES

ICP-MS

Electrochemical methods

Surface characterization

Instrumentation maintenance

Job description

This position specializes in ICP-OES/ICP-MS, ion chromatography, wet chemical analysis, and corrosion testing of metal substrates and chemical formulations. The chemist will generate high-accuracy analytical data, evaluate corrosion performance, and collaborate with R&D and manufacturing teams to ensure product reliability and compliance.

Responsibilities

• ICP Analysis — Perform elemental analysis using ICP-OES/ICP-MS, including calibration, method optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Ion Chromatography — Conduct anion/cation analysis to support formulation control and impurity tracking.
• Wet Chemistry — Execute titrations, acid/base analysis, gravimetric tests, and classical chemical assays.
• Corrosion Testing — Conduct corrosion evaluations such as weight-loss testing, coupon exposure, electrochemical methods, and surface characterization.
• Sample Preparation — Prepare samples via digestion, dilution, filtration, and extraction following SOPs.
• Data Interpretation — Analyze results, identify trends or anomalies, and provide clear technical conclusions.
• Method Development — Develop and refine analytical and corrosion testing methods for new products and applications.
• Quality & Compliance — Maintain documentation, calibration logs, and adherence to ISO/GLP standards.
• Cross-Functional Support — Support R&D, manufacturing, and customer technical teams with analytical insights.
• Instrument Maintenance — Perform routine maintenance and coordinate vendor service when needed.
• SEM/EDS — Operating, capturing images, understanding of findings, preventive maintenance

Qualification

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.
• 2–7 years of hands-on experience with:
• ICP
• Wet chemical analysis
• Corrosion testing such as SST/ CCT
• Strong understanding of sample preparation, instrument calibration, and analytical troubleshooting.
• Ability to interpret complex data sets and communicate findings clearly.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, specialty chemicals, metal finishing, water treatment, or materials testing preferred.

Preferred Skills/ Experiences

• Familiarity with surface treatment industry (electro plating, phosphate, paint, anodizing etc.)
• Knowledge of LIMS, SOP writing, and method validation.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to work independently.
• Experience with accredited lab such as A2LA/ ISO 17025

About Us

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

What's in it for you

• Competitive pay programs with excellent career growth trajectory
• Paid time off for volunteerism
• Dress for your day; how you dress is determined by what your day may bring
• Opportunity to participate in comprehensive benefit options including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Parental Leave, Holiday Pay, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and Savings Plan
• Work for a global leader in the industrial process fluids industry

Quaker Houghton provides equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. Quaker Houghton does not discriminate against any candidate for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, veteran’s status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by U.S federal, state, and/or local employment law. Furthermore, Quaker Houghton is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with physical and/or mental disabilities.