Plant Chemist - Cement Quality & Process Optimization

GCC; Rapid City (SD); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

GCC is seeking a detail‑oriented chemistry professional for our Rapid City, SD laboratory. You will perform chemical and physical testing of cement and raw materials, interpret data, and support process optimization and product quality initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance and high standards.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry with 2–4 years of lab experience, strong data analysis skills, and the ability to communicate findings to operations teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry with 2–4 years of laboratory experience.
• Experience with chemical and physical testing and data interpretation.
• Ability to communicate recommendations to operations teams.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and calibration is preferred.
• Supervisory experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Performs chemical and physical analysis of cement, clinker and raw materials per established procedures.
• Maintain reliability and calibration of chemical and physical equipment.
• Supervise hourly employees in the absence of the Quality Control Manager.
• Perform microscopy clinker analysis and analyze cement, clinker and other materials by microscopic methods.
• Ensure safety, follow plant policies, and support plant-wide quality initiatives.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Data analysis

Instrumentation calibration

Quality control

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

XRD analysis

Microscopy

Job description

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and analytical professional with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and must have 2 to 4 years of laboratory experience working in a cement plant. They have hands-on experience performing chemical and physical testing, interpreting laboratory data, and supporting process optimization and product quality initiatives.

The successful candidate is skilled in laboratory instrumentation, equipment calibration, data analysis, and quality control procedures. They possess strong mathematical aptitude, can effectively communicate recommendations to operations teams, and are comfortable working with computerized data tracking systems. Previous supervisory experience is a plus.

A strong commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence is essential. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced plant environment, demonstrates sound judgment and problem-solving abilities, and is dedicated to maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform chemical and physical testing of cement, clinker, raw materials, kiln feed, raw meal, and fuels in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, CCRL, GCC, and other applicable standards.
• Conduct laboratory analyses using XRF, XRD, microscopy, and other testing equipment to support product quality and process optimization.
• Monitor and evaluate raw materials, kiln feed, clinker, and cement quality, making recommendations to production personnel to maintain product specifications.
• Calibrate, maintain, and verify laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
• Analyze coal, alternative fuels, chlorides, gypsum, and supplementary cementitious materials used in the manufacturing process.
• Develop and maintain quality control standards and laboratory procedures.
• Perform clinker and cement microscopy analysis to identify process and material performance opportunities.
• Support investigations of product quality concerns, process changes, and new product development initiatives.
• Participate in proficiency testing programs and benchmark laboratory performance against industry standards.
• Assist with budgeting, laboratory improvements, and maintenance of automated laboratory systems.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, process efficiency, and cost optimization.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including MSHA regulations, lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, and hazardous material handling procedures.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and clean laboratory and work environment.
• Provide leadership and guidance to laboratory technicians and hourly personnel and assist in supervising operations in the absence of the Quality Control Manager.

Experience and abilities you will need:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry
• Must have 2 to 4 years of laboratory experience working in a cement plant.
• Knowledge and ability to utilize computer software in monitoring and tracking data.
• Desired: Previous experience supervising
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Who we are:

GCC is a world-class company that produces, distributes and markets cement, ready-mixed concrete, aggregates, and innovative products related to the construction industries in Mexico and the United States. We take pride in being a market leader with a culture of innovation, high performance and safety. GCC offers a very competitive benefits program including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability insurance plans, and a 401K.

You will love working here because:

At GCC, employees are our most important resource. As a part of the GCC family, you'll be welcomed into a culture that promotes the company vision and internal career growth. Our company vision is to have our customers recognize us as a business partner that generates the most value for their construction projects. We're a sustainable growing company, a great place to work, and a solid investment for our shareholders. GCC is an enterprise with a global and sustainable approach. Our production is mainly devoted to the manufacture and sale of gray Portland cement, mortar, premixed concrete, concrete blocks, plaster, aggregates, and other construction materials. Join the family!

An Equal Opportunity Employer

GCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.