Chemical Technician - Driveline

Afton Chemical Corporation; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Afton Chemical Corporation is a leading supplier of lubricant and fuel additives, conducting industry and company-specific laboratory tests to support R&D projects. The role involves preparing formulations, analyzing results, and maintaining accurate ISO documentation within a safety-conscious laboratory environment.

Applicants should have 0–2 years of lab experience and a degree in a scientific field. The position emphasizes careful data handling, teamwork, and adherence to safety and quality

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of lab experience.
• College graduate or equivalent.
• Demonstrated lab and/or chemistry training, experience or aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Participate in safety related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of company, industry and government safety procedures and regulations.
• Perform industry and Afton specific laboratory tests using established procedures. Assist in development and modification of tests as needed.
• Complete preliminary analysis and interpretation of test results. Prepare reports, memos, presentations, etc., and/or enter into database(s) to communicate results to appropriate parties.
• Operate specialized test equipment and perform tests accurately to insure reproducibility; maintain and troubleshoot lab equipment.
• Purchase, maintain, and obtain adequate inventory of samples and lab supplies for testing; keep workspace neat, clean and safe.
• Maintain ISO documentation and participate in ISO activities; uphold ISO standards for activities.
• Prepare lab batches of formulations and analyze blends and base stocks to determine properties.
• Must lift up to 40 lbs routinely.

Skills

Decision Making

Analysis and Problem Solving

Communication

Managing Performance

Collaboration and Networking

Project Management

Innovation

Test Development and Testing

Basic computer literacy

Safety practices

Education

Associate or bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry

College degree in any scientific field

Job description

Afton Chemical Corporation is part of the NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) family of companies, and is one of the largest global suppliers of lubricant additives and offers a broad line of fuel additives worldwide.

JOB SUMMARY: Perform industry and Afton specific laboratory tests as requested, complete preliminary analysis, and record data to support R&D projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in safety related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of company, industry and government safety procedures and regulations.
• Perform industry and Afton specific laboratory tests using established procedures. Assist in development and modification of tests as needed. Develop plan for testing and/or additive blending.
• Complete preliminary analysis and interpretation of test results. Prepare reports, memos, presentations, etc., and/or enter into database(s), to communicate results to appropriate parties. Handle requests and report results in agreed upon timelines.
• Operate specialized test equipment in accordance with established procedure. Perform tests accurately to insure reproducibility. Assume responsibilities for the maintenance and trouble shooting of the laboratory equipment and/or instrumentation necessary to perform the laboratory tests.
• Purchase, maintain, and/or obtain adequate inventory of samples and lab supplies for testing and work area. Maintain work area in a neat, clean, and safe condition.
• Maintain adequate level of specific as well as general technical expertise through training, seminars, etc., at the direction of management to support required activity.
• Prepare lab batches of formulations to meet objectives and may analyze various blends and base stocks to determine properties. Blend sizes range from 4 oz to 20 gallons.
• Must be able to safely lift 40 lbs. on a routine basis.
• May perform non-standardized laboratory procedures independently and/or with guidance of experienced personnel.
• May represent Afton with customers, industry organizations at the direction of management and may train other personnel as necessary.
• Assure that complete ISO documentation is maintained on all ISO or quality related activities. Participate in ISO related activities and maintain an up-to-date understanding of the ISO function.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUMS:

• 0 – 2 years of lab experience
• College graduate or equivalent
• Associate or bachelor’s Degree in any scientific field. Advanced degrees will not be considered
• Demonstrated lab and/or chemistry training, experience or aptitude

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry

For NewMarket or Afton employees, an appropriate combination of experiences that will support the required skill base may replace one or more of the specific experience requirements above.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Decision Making - Decision making in a timely manner based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines and pressure; while based upon appropriate risk and authority
• Analysis and Problem Solving - Solves difficult problems with effective solutions; asks good questions and questions all likely sources for answers; can solve complex problems and recognize complex patterns; utilizing all appropriate tools to reach a robust answer.
• Communication - The ability to communicate information clearly and effectively in an engaging and convincing manner.
• Managing Performance - Possessing the drive and focus to achieve challenging goals.
• Collaboration and Networking - The ability to work in and across Afton's organizational matrix to achieve business objectives, via engaging and rewarding interactions. Through this network provide support, exert influence. Influencing without authority.
• Project Management - The ability to manage tasks and activities and achieve their completion within the agreed framework, across regional and organizational boundaries
• Innovation - The openness to new ideas and the ability to generate breakthrough solutions. Can develop, seek out, critically assess and implement new and value adding concepts.
• Test Development and Execution of Testing - Develop and/or apply physical, chemical and mechanical testing to appropriately demonstrate and/or understand the mechanisms for our products performance and to improve the efficiency of product development.
• Basic computer literacy (i.e. Microsoft Office, Word, Excel).
• Demonstrates understanding and application of safe lab practices and procedures.

Working at Afton

Who We Are - We're a diverse, global family of individuals, who share a passion for developing innovative solutions.We build our professional relationships on respect, integrity and a commitment to safety and quality. Just as these values apply to our professional relationships, they also apply to the way we feel about our neighbors and communities.

Our Work - At Afton, our innovative R&D programs lead to global growth. Our lubricant and fuel additives are among the most highly developed and widely used in the petroleum industry. Afton is a recognized and trusted supplier of driveline lubricant additives, engine oil additives, fuel additives and industrial lubricant additives.

Pay Range: $46,000 - $50,000

The pay range displayed on each job posting reflects the previously determined minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries; within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job scope, job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Please note that the pay range listed in this posting reflects the base salary only and does not include the value of benefits that are provided in addition to the salary for this position.

An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.