SCIENTIST - Fire Technology

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute's Fire Technology Department is seeking a Scientist to run standard and non-standard fire test programs from start to finish, including pricing, proposals, scheduling, construction, testing and reporting. You will support business development and promote SwRI services to clients in government and industry.

You will work independently and in teams to meet client goals, handle complex testing, and communicate results clearly.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or equivalent; 0-2 years of coursework in chemistry, math, and physics.
• Experience in project management and fire testing or laboratory work is a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; ability to interact with clients and provide high-level customer service.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard fire test programs from start to finish and report results in standardized formats.
• Prepare proposals, pricing, scheduling, construction, testing and reporting for assigned areas.
• Interact with clients, fire and code officials, and regulatory bodies; ensure projects meet deadlines and budgets.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication and use computer software/hardware common in fire research and testing.
• Must wear a respirator or PAPR; occasional assignments in moderate/high temperatures and smoky environments.

Skills

Project management

Communication (written)

Analytical thinking

Detail oriented

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Who We Are:

The Fire Technology Department conducts small-scale and large-scale fire testing of items and assemblies for a wide range of industries including commercial construction, marine and automotive. Products are built, instrumented, and evaluated for their fire performance.

Objectives of this Role:

As a Scientist in the Fire Technology Department, you will perform standard and non-standard fire test programs from start to finish. Perform all aspects of fire test programs including pricing, proposal writing, scheduling, construction, testing and reporting. Provide support for business development and market SwRI services to current and prospective customers. Be a problem-solver that exercises creativity in developing premier solutions for clients in government and industry. Work individually and in a team to ensure client goals are met.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

Perform routine scientific investigations requiring application of standard fire testing techniques and procedures. Analyze, interpret and report test results using standardized formats. Provide work instructions to technical support staff. Write proposals for assigned areas of responsibilities and interact with clients, fire and code officials, and regulatory bodies. Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Maintain and expand volume of work. Build new program areas consistent with or related to fire research and testing industry. Make suggestions for process improvement. Prioritize workload to meet project deadlines. Demonstrate proficiency in written and verbal communication and in the use of computer software and hardware typically used in the field of fire research and testing. Troubleshoot and make minor repairs on test equipment. Must be able to wear a respirator or PAPR. Occasional assignments in moderate to high temperatures and smoky environment.

Requirements:

Requires a Bachelors degree in Chemistry or equivalent scientific degree field. 0-2 years: Must have coursework in chemistry, math and physics. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience in project management and fire testing or laboratory work a plus. Self-motivated, ability to multi-task, pay attention to detail, be diligent, exercise good judgment, work independently and as a team member. Able to interact with Client's and provide a high level of customer service. Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills, good organizational and time management skills. A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.

Job Locations:

San Antonio, Texas

For more information about this division, visit the Chemistry & Chemical Engineering home page.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.