Entry-Level Quality Chemistry Lab Tech

Carpenter Technology; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Carpenter Technology Corporation is seeking an entry-level Quality Chemical Laboratory Technician I to prepare steel, alloy, and slag specimens and perform routine chemical analyses. Work includes sample tracking in LIMS, maintaining records, and following safety procedures in a fast-paced lab environment.

Under supervision, you will learn to operate lab equipment, review data, and perform preventive maintenance while supporting quality and production goals.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn and perform chemical laboratory testing procedures through structured training.
• Ability to operate computers and related software used for laboratory instruments and LIMS systems.
• Mechanical aptitude to operate laboratory equipment and perform routine maintenance.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate results.
• Ability to follow established procedures, work instructions, and safety protocols.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage workload, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Prepare steel, alloy, and slag specimens for chemical analysis using laboratory sample preparation equipment.
• Inspect incoming test specimens for quality and suitability, rejecting unacceptable samples, and coordinating replacement samples as needed.
• Operate laboratory equipment including abrasive saws, belt and disk sanders, horizontal grinders, drill presses, and other sample preparation machinery.
• Register and track test specimens within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Perform routine chemical analyses on furnace and product samples using carbon/sulfur (C/S) combustion instruments and nitrogen/oxygen (N/O) fusion analyzers under supervision.
• Review test data and apply appropriate corrections using established procedures and reference materials.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure proper sample identification, retention, and disposal according to standard operating procedures.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance on laboratory and sample preparation equipment, including cleaning dust collection systems, removing sludge buildup, sharpening drill bits, and replacing worn abrasives.
• Follow all safety policies, quality standards, and environmental requirements.
• Collaborate with team members to support laboratory objectives and production schedules.
• Participate in training and development activities to achieve full qualification within the role.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Laboratory equipment operation

LIMS proficiency

Chemical analysis

Safety compliance

Detail-oriented

Education

Associate degree or technical certification

Chemistry/Materials science coursework

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Carpenter Technology Corporation is seeking an entry-level Quality Chemical Laboratory Technician I to prepare steel, alloy, and slag specimens and perform routine chemical analyses. Work includes sample tracking in LIMS, maintaining records, and following safety procedures in a fast-paced lab environment.

Under supervision, you will learn to operate lab equipment, review data, and perform preventive maintenance while supporting quality and production goals.