Refinery Lab Tester: Quality, Data & Instrumentation

Kern Energy CA; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern Energy in Bakersfield seeks a Tester to perform laboratory testing and analysis of refinery materials to ensure quality, regulatory, and operational compliance. The role operates instruments, conducts calibration, and manages data in LIMS, supporting the Kern Laboratory Quality Control Program.

The successful candidate will join a team focused on safety, integrity, and reliability, handling hazardous materials, maintaining records, and communicating results with operations and engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering preferred.
• Associate degree with relevant experience may be considered.
• Previous laboratory experience preferred.
• Experience with LIMS preferred.
• Refinery/petrochemical laboratory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean laboratory environment and properly handle hazardous materials and waste.
• Prioritize work assignments and communicate scheduling conflicts to the Lab Supervisor and affected departments.
• Collect and test finished product, blend component, truck, and railcar samples in accordance with established procedures and testing protocols.
• Perform routine ASTM testing and operate laboratory instruments according to approved SOPs.
• Enter, manage, and distribute laboratory results through the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Maintain records and documentation for physical, chemical, and instrumental testing activities.
• Communicate test results and collaborate with operations, engineering, and laboratory personnel to support refinery performance and problem-solving efforts.
• Operate, maintain, and verify laboratory instruments, including: Automatic Distillation Units, Flash Point Analyzers, Density Meters, Other analytical laboratory equipment
• Support calibration, standards verification, and quality control checks to ensure data accuracy and instrument reliability.
• Maintain laboratory supply and consumable inventories.
• Support the Quality Control Program and ASTM D6299 requirements.
• Conduct special testing, prepare reports, and provide laboratory data as requested.
• Process, retain, and dispose of samples in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Comply with laboratory labeling, hazard communication, and safety requirements.
• Stay current with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and testing methodologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Chemical analysis

Quality control

Laboratory equipment

Test methods

LIMS

Data management

Attention to detail

Documentation

Communication

Safety protocols

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Associate degree with relevant experience

Laboratory experience

LIMS experience

Refinery/petrochemical experience

Tools

Baytek Bliss

Microsoft Office

LIMS software

Instrument control software

Job description

Kern Energy in Bakersfield seeks a Tester to perform laboratory testing and analysis of refinery materials to ensure quality, regulatory, and operational compliance. The role operates instruments, conducts calibration, and manages data in LIMS, supporting the Kern Laboratory Quality Control Program.

The successful candidate will join a team focused on safety, integrity, and reliability, handling hazardous materials, maintaining records, and communicating results with operations and engineering