Analytical Chemist

Oryx Advanced Materials Inc; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Competitive salary

Job summary

Oryx Advanced Materials Inc is seeking a Lead Analytical Chemist to own our analytical lab, operate ICP-OES and LECO instruments, and develop testing methods for metals and advanced materials.

You will manage lab workflows, ensure audit-ready records, and generate CoAs with full traceability. DSC experience is a plus; no direct reports, but hands-on leadership in the lab is essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on ICP-OES elemental analysis experience.
• Hands-on LECO oxygen/nitrogen analysis experience.
• Proficiency in CoA/CoAC generation and traceability documentation.
• Experience within an ISO 9001 quality system.

Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain ICP-OES for metals and advanced materials.
• Operate LECO analyzers for O and N determination.
• Develop and optimize sample prep and digestion methods for alloys and ceramics.
• Own analytical lab operations: scheduling, workflow, day-to-day output.
• Issue and maintain CoA/CoAC with accuracy and traceability.
• Maintain lab records and supplier CoAs in the database.
• Ensure documentation complies with ISO 9001.
• Write and maintain SOPs and method docs.
• Track calibration schedules to keep instruments in compliance.
• Support production troubleshooting with analytical data.
• Assist R&D in testing methods for new materials.
• Support customer visits and quality audits.

Skills

ICP-OES analysis

LECO analyzers

CoA/CoAC generation

ISO 9001 knowledge

Record-keeping

Lab ownership

Education

B.S. in Chemistry

Tools

ICP-OES instrumentation

LECO analyzers

DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry)

Laboratory database management

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Competitive salary

We are seeking an experienced Lead Analytical Chemist to operate and take ownership of our analytical chemistry laboratory. This is a hands-on technical role with full responsibility for the lab's output: instrument operation, method development, record-keeping, CoA generation, and quality system compliance. The ideal candidate has deep experience with ICP and LECO equipment, a strong chemistry background, and the discipline to maintain a high-quality, audit-ready lab environment. This role does not involve managing a team but does require owning the lab's workflow, standards, and deliverables.

Job Duties

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain ICP-OES instrumentation for composition and impurity analysis of metals and advanced materials
• Operate LECO analyzers for oxygen, and nitrogen determination
• Perform DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) analysis as part of the expanding instrument lineup (training available; prior experience preferred)
• Develop and optimize sample preparation and digestion methods for metal alloys and ceramic materials
• Take full ownership of analytical lab operations: scheduling, workflow prioritization, and day-to-day output
• Issue and maintain Certificates of Analysis (CoA/CoAC) with accuracy and full traceability
• Maintain records of supplier CoAs and keep the chemical and CoAC database current
• Ensure all documentation is accurate and compliant with ISO 9001 requirements
• Write and maintain work instructions, SOPs, and method documentation
• Track and manage calibration schedules to keep all instruments in compliance
• Support production troubleshooting through analytical data and interpretation
• Assist R&D in developing and validating testing methods for new materials and alloys
• Facilitate customer visits and quality audits related to the analytical lab
• Provide guidance to other lab personnel on equipment use and documentation standards as needed

What We're Looking For

• Exceptional attention to detail — accuracy in measurement, documentation, and reporting
• Organized and disciplined: able to manage a high-throughput sample load in a clean, well-run lab
• Strong chemistry knowledge: solid understanding of inorganic chemistry, elemental analysis, and materials characterization
• Self-directed and ownership-minded: comfortable running a function independently and driving continuous improvement
• Reliable, consistent, and collaborative with cross-functional teams

Skills & Experience (Required)

• Hands-on experience with ICP-OES for elemental analysis
• Hands-on experience with LECO combustion/inert gas fusion analyzers (O, N)
• Proficiency in CoA/CoAC generation and traceability documentation
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 (or equivalent) quality management system
• Strong record-keeping and database management discipline

Skills & Experience (Preferred)

• Experience with DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) or other thermal analysis instruments
• Background in metals, alloys, or advanced materials environments
• Experience acting as a technical lead or primary lab owner

Education

• B.S. in Chemistry
• 3–7 years of hands-on analytical laboratory experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a laboratory environment with appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, respirator when required)