Chemical Processing Lab Technician (Mid-Level or Senior)

Spirit AeroSystems; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 54,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union represented

Job summary

Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, KS, is seeking a mid- to senior-level chemistry lab specialist to perform analytical testing on production samples, ensure quality of chemical processing and metal finishing per customer specs, and maintain accurate records.

You will operate ICP-OES/IC equipment, manage test schedules, and participate in corrective actions for nonconforming materials, with union-represented status and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant chemical lab experience, or 2 years with BA or BS in chemistry or related field.
• Experience with wet chemistry methods, ICP, and IC.
• Some evening/weekend work may be required.
• Ability to manage time, communicate well, and work in a fast-paced environment are essential.
• Critical thinking and problem solving are also required skills.
• Familiarity with aerospace quality management systems (AS9100 and/or Nadcap AQS) is desirable.
• Familiarity with Lean, Theory of Constraints, or Six Sigma is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conducts chemical analyses of production samples using approved methods.
• Validates chemical processing and metal finishing performance against specs.
• Sets up and operates lab equipment and instrumentation such as ICP-OES, IC, titration, and related QA/QC tools.
• Researches and analyzes material, test, and process specification requirements.
• Maintains a test schedule to ensure process compliance and reliability.
• Monitors lab results for out-of-spec and out-of-trend conditions and documents them clearly.
• Supports corrective actions to reduce or eliminate nonconformance to specs.
• Critically reviews own work for accuracy and completeness.
• Performs routine housekeeping and safety activities in the lab.

Skills

Lab experience

6+ yrs lab exp

ICP/IC methods

Evening/weekend work

Time management

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Education

BA/BS in Chemistry

Tools

ICP

IC

Job description

Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, supporting Spirit’s Commercial Business Units(“Spirit Commercial”). Spirit Commercial designs and builds commercial aerostructures, including for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, one of Boeing’s three business units and the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for decades. Spirit Commercial’s core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components, with a focus on innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions.

Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

• Conducts basic and complex chemical analyses of production samples using approved analytical methods and techniques. Objective is to ensure that control of solution composition and chemical processing performance is maintained. Prepares accurate and complete records of work performed.
• Applies knowledge of the chemical and physical sciences to performing tests on finished/processed materials to validate chemical processing and metal finishing performance in accordance with customer specifications.
• Sets up and operates laboratory equipment and chemical instrumentation, such as sample collection and preparation for analysis, titration equipment, spectrometers (e.g., ICP-OES), chromatographic instruments (e.g., ion chromatograph), and standard QA/QC measurement and test equipment (e.g., micrometers). Use of computer software/applications is often required for the operation of the equipment and/or analysis of results.
• Researches and analyzes material, test, and process specification requirements and definitions.
• Manages and maintains a test schedule to ensure process compliance and reliability.
• Monitors laboratory results for out-of-specification and out-of-trend conditions. Documents these conditions in a clear, accurate, and concise fashion.
• Supports the implementation of corrective actions that are necessary to reduce or eliminate nonconformance to material, test, and process specification requirements.
• Critically reviews own work for accuracy and completeness.
• Performs routine housekeeping and safety activities in the laboratory, including tracking chemical usage to support timely ordering/re-ordering of reagents, standards, and chemicals.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• 6+ years of relevant chemical lab experience, or 2 years with BA or BS in chemistry or related field
• Experience with wet chemistry methods, ICP, and IC
• Some evening/weekend work may be required
• Ability to manage time, communicate well, and work in a fast-paced environment are essential
• Critical thinking and problem solving are also required skills

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Familiarity with aerospace quality management systems (AS9100 and/or Nadcap AQS) is desirable
• Familiarity with Lean, Theory of Constraints, or Six Sigma is desirable

Union

This is a union-represented position.

Drug Free Workplace

We are a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits

We strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range - Mid-Level (Level 3): $54,200- $83,100

Summary Pay Range - Senior (Level 4): $63,650 - $97,600

Kansas Tax Credit

Join Spirit AeroSystems’ Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.

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