Lab Instrument Technician

OC2 Occidental Chemical Corporation; Geismar (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company, seeks a Laboratory Technician to perform routine analyses, maintain data records and support plant operations. You will manage lab instrumentation, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with vendors while adhering to safety protocols.

The role requires an Associate Degree in Chemistry or related field with chemistry coursework and math, plus strong communication and teamwork skills. Training on PPE and shift rotations is provided.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Chemistry or related field with 2+ years of chemistry coursework and 1 year math.
• Must know analytical methods and perform calculations.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; read/write/speak English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Must lift up to 40 lbs, climb stairs, and wear PPE including respirator.
• Able to troubleshoot using vendor support as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain environmental health and safety as a top priority for employees, customers, and communities.
• Perform routine analyses, including control samples and calibration checks.
• Maintain lab data and statistical records to support plant operations and specs.
• Analyze and document raw materials, in-process and finished products.
• Maintain lab instrumentation and improve analytical methods.
• Troubleshoot and perform preventative maintenance on lab instrumentation and software.
• Consult with equipment vendors to resolve issues.
• Communicate instrument/method problems to production and supervision.
• Provide lab support: equipment prep, reagents, sampling, data entry into LIMS.
• Ensure timely sample analyses for process control decisions.

Skills

Analytical methods knowledge

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Teamwork

Troubleshooting

English proficiency

Education

Associate degree in Chemistry or related field

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry (optional)

Tools

SAP

Job description

At OxyChem, our chemistry makes modern life possible, and it is our people who make the difference. We are a safety-first, purpose-driven team committed to innovation, environmental responsibility, and doing things the right way. If you are ready to contribute, elevate your skills, and take ownership of your career, Oxychem offers the opportunity to make a difference every day. OxyChem, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading producer of essential chemistry with operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. OxyChem’s products play an essential role in everyday life, supporting critical applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, personal hygiene, and residential and commercial construction. OxyChem actively participates in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program, underscoring our commitment to safety. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, OxyChem is a top three U.S. manufacturer of polyvinyl chloride, chlor-alkali and chlorinated organic chemicals, and calcium chloride. Visit oxychem.com for more information. In a fast-paced industry that demands precision, we create a supportive workplace where the safety and well-being of our employees are paramount. We are committed to rewarding top performers, offering very competitive pay and benefits, and providing tremendous career development opportunities.

Essential Job Duties:

• Maintain protection of the environment and the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the communities in which we operate and/or transport our products, as our highest priority.
• Perform routine sample analyses, including control samples and calibration checks, without supervision.
• Maintain analytical data and Lab operating statistical record, to support plant operations and customer specification requirements.
• Analyze & document raw materials, in-process and finished products in accordance with Methods of Test Procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining laboratory instrumentation and equipment and improving methods.
• Responsible for prompt troubleshooting, repairing and performing preventative maintenance on all lab instrumentation and associated software.
• Consult directly with equipment vendors on problems for resolution as necessary.
• Responsible for communication of problems involving instruments, methods, samples, sample containers to appropriate parties including production and supervision.
• Provide Laboratory support including (but not limited to): preparation of equipment and reagents, storage of samples, stockroom/supplies, sampling, instrument and method maintenance, and entering data into LIMS systems.
• Assure that the plant is furnished with sample analysis for process control decisions and technical studies in a timely, accurate manner.

Essential Job Requirements:

• Associate Degree in Chemistry or related field, two-year Lab Tech program or equivalent education with a minimum 2 years of college chemistry courses(such as General Chemistry I&II, Organic Chemistry I&II, Labs, Analytical Chemistry/Quantitative Analysis, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry) and 1 year of college math.
• Must be knowledgeable in analytical methods and functions and be able to perform mathematical calculations.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, overtime, weekends and holidays as necessary.
• High proficiency in Microsoft applications (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read, write and speak in English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work as part of a team.
• Physical requirements – Must be able to lift 40 lbs, climb ladders and stairs. Walking, bending, stooping is required.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment including the use of a respirator.
• Must be able to respond to visual and audible alarms.
• Ability to understand complex lab analyzer sample systems, software, and instrumentation.
• Ability to effectively function and excel in a team environment as well as work independently with minimum supervision.
• Must be proficient in troubleshooting using vendor support as needed.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Chemistry or related field.
• Experience in laboratory setting handling hazardous chemicals.
• Wet Lab Chemistry Knowledge: Basics - moisture, pH, Specific Gravity, Total Solids and other basic lab equipment and procedures
• Good working knowledge of SAP.

Fraud Statement:

It has come to our attention that various individuals and/or organizations are contacting people falsely pretending to recruit on behalf of OxyChem. Please be aware that these recruiting scams and communications do not originate, nor are they associated with our recruitment process. All OxyChem job postings and offers will require a completed application through our company website. OxyChem does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruiting process.

We will never: Ask you to pay for applications, interviews, meetings, processing, training or for any other fees. Use recruiting or placement agencies that charge candidates an advance fee of any kind. Request personal information such as passport and bank account details at an early stage of our recruitment process.

We recommend against responding to unsolicited business propositions or offers from people you don't know. Do not disclose your personal or financial details. If you believe you have been the victim of a recruiting scam, please contact your local police department.

OxyChem, a producer of commodity chemicals with facilities across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, is renowned for its commitment to safety, environmental protection, customer service and sustainability. OxyChem’s chemicals are vital to quality of life, with applications in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, commercial and residential development.