Lab Technician

GKN Aerospace; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

GKN Aerospace in El Cajon, CA, is seeking a Chemical Lab Technician I to perform routine sampling, analysis, and process-control support for chemical milling, cleaning, and wastewater treatment in aerospace manufacturing. You will prepare samples, run wet-chemistry and instrumental tests, and document results with accuracy and safety in mind.

The role requires an associate degree in chemistry or related field, hands-on lab experience, ability to follow approved methods, and strong data-recording

Qualifications

• Associate degree in chemistry, chemical technology, environmental science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in laboratory, chemical-processing, wastewater, or hazardous-material handling is preferred.
• Ability to follow approved test methods, work instructions, and safety requirements in a repetitive production environment.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples from process tanks, rinse systems, and wastewater points per approved safety requirements.
• Perform wastewater, wet-chemistry, volumetric, and process-control tests; compare with limits and report abnormalities.
• Prepare samples, standards, blanks, and dilutions for AAS and ICP analysis; operate equipment per approved methods.
• Test chemical milling, Chem Brite, cleaning solutions for concentration and bath conditions.
• Calculate routine chemical additions using approved formulas and verify tank and chemical identity.
• Perform tank changes, solution transfers, and routine maintenance per procedures.
• Prepare, label, store, and control reagents and standards per concentration and storage rules.
• Conduct equipment checks and maintenance; report any failures.

Skills

Lab techniques

AAS

ICP

Data entry

Safety procedures

Education

Associate degree in chemistry or related field

Tools

AAS instrument

ICP instrument

Job description

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The Chemical Lab Technician I performs routine laboratory sampling, analysis, process-control support, and equipment checks for chemical milling, chemical cleaning, wastewater treatment, and related aerospace manufacturing processes. Working under general supervision and within established methods, the technician prepares samples and standards, performs wet-chemistry and instrumental tests, calculates and completes authorized chemical additions, maintains accurate records, and promptly reports out-of-limit results or equipment failures. The role supports safe operations, product quality, environmental compliance, production schedules, customer requirements and GKN quality standards.

Job Responsibilities

• Collects samples from process tanks, rinse systems, and wastewater treatment points according to approved sampling and safety requirements.
• Performs routine wastewater, wet-chemistry, volumetric, and process-control tests; compares results with established limits and reports abnormal conditions.
• Prepares samples, standards, blanks, and dilutions for AAS and ICP analysis; operates equipment using approved methods and records results.
• Tests chemical milling, Chem Brite, alkaline cleaning, and other process solutions for concentration, dissolved metals, and specified bath conditions.
• Calculates routine chemical additions using approved formulas or worksheets and verifies the tank, bath volume, chemical identity, and amount before making an authorized addition.
• Performs assigned tank changes, solution transfers, cleaning, fresh solution make-up, and routine maintenance according to approved procedures.
• Prepares, labels, stores, and controls reagents and analytical standards according to established concentration, expiration, storage, and identification requirements.
• Perform required equipment checks and maintenance; documents completion and reports equipment failures.
• Recognizes out-of-limit results, preserves original data, performs authorized preliminary checks, and promptly escalates potential out-of-specification results.
• Maintains complete analytical records, chemical inventory, and compliant laboratory and storage areas.
• Follows applicable safety, environmental, quality, customer, export-control, and government-contracting requirements and performs other related duties as assigned.
• Support Waste water treatment areas around the facility.

Job Qualifications

• Associate degree in chemistry, chemical technology, environmental science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant education, laboratory training, and experience.
• Related laboratory, chemical-processing, wastewater, or hazardous-material experience.
• Ability to learn and consistently follow approved test methods, work instructions, safety requirements, and documentation practices in a repetitive production environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently within assigned authority and as a collaborative team member.
• HAZWOPER certification, forklift certification, and a valid driver license are required when assigned to duties that require them. The company should specify whether certifications are required at hire or may be obtained within a defined period.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and the ability to use approved laboratory, inventory, and production systems.
• Must be able to perform work subject to applicable ITAR and program-access requirements. Any citizenship or work-authorization restriction must be reviewed and approved by Human Resources and legal/export-compliance personnel before posting.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to follow safety instructions, technical methods, labels, specifications, and documentation requirements.
• Basic arithmetic and algebra skills for laboratory calculations, dilutions, concentrations, and chemical additions.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient for accurate and safe laboratory work.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods, work near manufacturing equipment, and use required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds in accordance with safe-lifting practices and applicable accommodation requirements.
• Ability to work in areas with operational noise, chemical odors, temperature variation, and other conditions typical of a manufacturing and chemical laboratory environment.

Compensation Data

The compensation range for this positing is between $29 - $31 per hour.