Associate Chemist

Alakai Defense Systems Inc.; Largo (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Alakai Defense Systems, Inc. seeks an Associate Chemist to support the curation, QC, and documentation of our deep-UV Raman spectral library used for chemical threat detection.

The role is based in Largo, FL and requires US citizenship for access to classified information. You will work on-site on a 4×10 schedule (Mon–Thu), with occasional travel ~15% for field collections or training, and collaborate across teams to enforce data integrity and safety protocols with routine PPE and lab equipment

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen required; must meet eligibility for access to classified information.
• MS in Chemistry or BS in Chemistry with 1–2 years of relevant experience.
• On-site in Largo, FL with a 4×10 schedule (Mon–Thu).
• Comfortable working in a laboratory environment with lasers, solvents and PPE.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to curation, quality control and documentation of the spectral library.
• Maintain library governance: naming conventions, synonyms/CAS references, version control and release docs.
• Assist with inventory management, labeling and segregation; ensure safety procedures.
• Coordinate data collections with partner organizations; occasional travel.

Skills

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Excel

Python basics

Education

MS in Chemistry; BS with 1–2 years experience

Tools

Python

Job description

MUST BE A US CITIZEN DUE TO CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS

Title: Associate Chemist

Work Location: Largo, FL 33773 US

Travel Required: ~15%

Labor Category: SCI 1

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Algorithm Lead

Save Lives by Building Next-Gen Spectral Libraries for Real-World Chemical Threat Detection

Requirements

U.S. citizen (required; must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information).

Degree: MS in Chemistry, or BS in Chemistry with 1-2 years of relevant experience

On-site in Largo, FL on a 4×10 schedule (Monday – Thursday).

Comfortable working in a laboratory environment with lasers, solvents, and PPE.

Willingness to travel occasionally (typically ~15%) for field collections or training.

The ideal candidate

Meticulous attention to detail; enforces a high bar for process quality and documentation.

Comfortable with repetitive, precise work (naming, versioning, metadata hygiene) and committed to data integrity.

Strong chemistry foundation with curiosity and a growth mindset.

Communicates clearly and professionally across multidisciplinary teams and with external partners.

Proficient with Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiar with Python (or similar) for basic data handling.

Confident handling chemicals, maintaining SDS references, and operating lab equipment safely.

Reliable, organized, and unflinching about enforcing process standards.

What you’ll do

You will immediately contribute to the curation, quality control, and documentation of Alakai Defense Systems’ deep-UV Raman spectral library—a critical component in identifying hazardous chemicals across defense, security, and industrial applications.

Initial tasks will include:

• Supporting in-lab data collections and assisting with algorithm development.
• Maintaining library governance, including naming conventions, synonyms/CAS references, version control, and release documentation.
• Contributing to chemical safety procedures and assisting with inventory management, labeling, and segregation.

As you develop, you will:

• Take increasing operational ownership of the library’s ingest and QC processes.
• Coordinate data collections through partner organizations (occasional travel required).
• Research and advise on priorities for new chemical additions to the library.
• Enforce strict quality controls and documentation standards for all new entries.
• Learn the nuances of Raman spectroscopy and apply your chemistry background to analyze spectra.

What you’ll learn

• UV-Raman spectroscopy and associated metadata standards.
• Quality control concepts (repeatability, SNR, LOD/LOQ surrogates).
• Database schema design and interaction with internal SQL-based tools.
• SOP authorship, version control, and traceability for scientific data.
• Field-collection coordination.

Company Profile:

Alakai Defense Systems, Inc. is a defense contractor specializing in the invention, development, and production of next-generation standoff sensor and technology solutions. We focus on laser and electro-optic remote sensing and systems integration to detect trace molecules of military and forensic significance, including explosives, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), CBRNE threats, and narcotics.

Founded in 2003, with years of success in consulting, Science and Technology (S&T), Research and Development (R&D), and prototyping for government customers, Alakai has earned international recognition. Our culture is defined by professionalism, agility, and innovation. We are a small, collaborative, and entrepreneurial team that consistently delivers breakthrough technologies to protect those who protect us—at home and abroad.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Safe Harbor 401K.
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance.
• PTO and Holidays.
• Workweek Monday – Thursday/10 hour per day.
• Work is primarily conducted in a laboratory setting. The role involves handling hazardous chemicals and requires strict adherence to safety protocols. Employees must wear appropriate PPE, including eye protection, gloves, masks, lab coats, respirators, and closed-toe shoes. Attention to safety, environmental, and health considerations is essential.

Physical Demands:

• Regular use of laboratory equipment, analytical instruments, and standard office tools
• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands for detailed work
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crawling
• Frequent lifting of up to 25 lbs and occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs
• Visual acuity requirements include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment
• Routine exposure to hazardous chemicals, compressed gases, explosives, and offensive odors
• Work environment is generally low-noise

Other Duties:

This job description is not intended to list every responsibility, skill, or condition of employment. Duties may be modified as business needs evolve. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities.