Lead Chemist - Houston, TX

Western International Gas & Cylinders, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 43,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Western International Gas & Cylinders, Inc. seeks a Lead Chemist to oversee laboratory analysis, gravimetric blending, and the preparation of customer certificates.

You will schedule daily work based on plant and customer priorities, ensure calibration and maintenance, and answer technical questions for internal and external customers.

The role requires a chemistry degree or equivalent experience, 1–3 years in a lab, and strong skills in GC analysis, data reporting, and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or 3 years analytical lab experience.
• 1–3 years of related laboratory experience required.
• Familiarity with gas analysis techniques is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze gases for impurities using GC and other analyzers.
• Prepare Certificates of Conformance and Analysis per procedures.
• Test and certify incoming raw materials for production.
• Maintain calibration, routine and preventive maintenance of lab equipment.
• Develop daily sample analysis and blending schedules based on priorities.
• Assist with audits and maintain all quality control records.

Skills

Reading & interpreting

Written reports

Presenting information

Independent work

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry

3 years analytical lab experience

Tools

Analytical instruments

Job description

Lead Chemist salary range $31.25 to $40.87

The Lead Chemist will be responsiblefor laboratory analysis and gravimetric blending functions. In addition,the Lead Chemist will develop the daily work schedule based on plant andcustomer priorities; maintain all required records and documentation, answertechnical questions for internal and external customers, ensure thatcalibration, routine and preventative maintenance are completed; work in amanner that improves individual and team safety; and performs other duties asneeded to support the Quality Assurance laboratory.

Essential Functions

• Analyzesgases to test for impurities of gas or mixture concentration using gaschromatography and other process analyzers.
• Completes statistical analysis of testing data.
• Prepares Certificates of Conformance and Analysis according to procedures, workinstructions and specifications.
• Tests and certifies incoming raw materials for production.
• Establishes and maintains analytical procedures and methods.
• Ensures lab has all the supplies needed including lab standards.
• Performs basic troubleshooting for common GC and lab instrument issues.
• Assists auditors, internal and external, by finding requested documentation andanswering their questions.
• Calculates, prepares, and fills medical and specialty gas mixtures usingpartial pressure and gravimetric techniques.
• Reviews customer orders to assure feasibility and safety of custom gas blends
• Keeps working area clean and orderly and ensures that 5S status is maintained.
• Completes monthly reporting requirements.
• Maintains all quality control records and other required documentation perprocedures.
• Writes and/or updates local work instructions.
• All other duties as assigned by Regional Lab Manager.
• All other duties as assigned by Hub Plant Manager.
• Performs routine maintenance and calibration on analytical equipment.
• If lab product is non-conforming or out of specification, follows procedures toresolve issue, participates in Material Review Board to help determine thedisposition of the product, provides feedback to operations.
• Maintains all laboratory required records, lab notebooks, and electronic files.
• Participates in all required safety activities such as meetings, monthlyexpectations, and safety committee meetings.
• Develops daily sample analysis and blending schedule based on customer andplant priorities.
• Assists with identifying and developing solutions for technical problems andtesting procedures.
• Interfaces with gas manufacturing personnel and customers to provide technicalsupport as required.

Required for All Jobs

• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies andstandards

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree - Majorin Chemistry from four-year college or university or 3 years of analyticalexperience -Preferred

Work Experience

• 1-3years - Twotothreeyears related experience and/or training in laboratoryenvironmentorequivalent combination of education and experience - Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret work instructions, procedures, andmanuals.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatoryagencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to write reports that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Ability to effectively present information to managers and employees of theorganization.

MATHEMATICALSKILLS

• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of analytical statistics andalgebra.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide rangeof intellectual and practical problems.
• Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations,graphs, etc.,)
• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS ANDABILITIES

• Ability to work independently as well as with others.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of analytical testing equipment and specialty gases

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

The employee is regularly required totalk or hear (e.g. answering phone).

The employee frequently is required towalk (e.g. around warehouse); sit (e.g. computer work); and use hands tofinger, handle, or feel (e.g. testing, computer work).

The employee is occasionally requiredto stand (e.g. reading gauges).

The employee must frequently liftand/or move up to 10 pounds (e.g. office supplies) and occasionally lift and/ormove up to 50 pounds (e.g. small cylinders, equipment).

Specific vision abilities required bythis job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus (e.g.computer work and testing equipment).

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies withthe laws and regulations set forth under EEOC. All qualified applicantswill receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disabilityor protected veteran status. EOE AA M/F/VET/Disability.