Specialist- Chemist II USA

First Solar; Gaffney (PA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking an analytical laboratory specialist to conduct routine and specialized analysis in support of raw material production and refinement. You will prepare samples, operate analytical instruments, and maintain data quality within a safe lab environment.

The role emphasizes method development, safety, and collaboration with analytical chemists to improve processes. Strong communication and multi-tasking are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in chemistry or closely related field required.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, or closely related field preferred.
• Coursework in analytical chemistry, polymers, and inorganic or solid-state chemistry preferred.
• At least 7 years of experience in an analytical laboratory environment or academic equivalent experience required.
• Experience in polymer analysis, thermal analysis, and wet chemistry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized analysis of materials using defined methods.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation.
• Keep complete and accurate records of laboratory activities.
• Manage data and interpret results to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment and comply with safety standards.
• Support analytical chemists in developing new analytical methods and continuous improvement projects.
• Disposal of waste according to designated containers and safety procedures.

Skills

Chemical analysis

Polymer analysis

WDXRF

Sample preparation

Instrument maintenance

Method development

Toxic materials handling

MS Office/JMP

Data interpretation

Communication

Education

Associate degree in chemistry

BA/BS in chemistry or materials science

Analytical chemistry coursework

Polymers/inorganic/solid-state chemistry coursework

Tools

JMP

MS Office

Job description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

• The person in this role is responsible for conducting routine analysis following defined methods in support of raw material production, procurement, and refinement.
• Day-to-day responsibilities include sampling and sample preparation, operation and maintenance of analytical instrumentation as assigned, data management / reporting and maintenance of a clean laboratory environment.
• Responsibilities will also include participating in method development.
• This person will be comfortable working under the direction of the laboratory management and will be conscious of safety and data quality.

Education/Experience:

• Associate degree in chemistry or closely related field required.
• BA or BS in chemistry, materials science or closely related field preferred.
• Coursework in analytical chemistry, polymers, and inorganic or solid-state chemistry preferred.
• At least 7 years' experience in an analytical laboratory environment or academic equivalent experience required.
• Experience in an environment involving polymer analysis, thermal analysis, and wet chemistry preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Proven competency in chemical analysis; polymer characterization and WDXRF preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare samples, standards, and conduct analyses.
• Skilled in wet and solid sample preparation methodology.
• Capable of conducting analytical testing and maintaining instruments with a minimum level of supervision.
• Competency with method development for materials similar to those previously analyzed.
• Will handle and use toxic as well as flammable materials.
• Intermediate knowledge of standard software (MS Office suite, JMP).
• Ability to use analytical skills to read charts and graphs to find trends.
• Good communication skills required.
• Ability to multi-task.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible for routine and specialized analysis of material using defined methods.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation.
• Keep complete and accurate records of laboratory activities.
• Responsible for data management and interpretation.
• Protect the integrity of test samples by maintaining a clean and orderly laboratory environment.
• Work safely at all times, promptly reporting any safety issues to laboratory management.
• Provide support to analytical chemists in the development of new analytical methods.
• Design and conduct projects to support continuous improvement.
• Ensure waste materials are discarded in their designated containers.
• Ensure hazardous waste containers stay closed except when adding or removing waste.
• Ensure satellite accumulation containers stay in their designated locations.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will report to the Supervisor- Laboratory or the Supervisor- Recycling and Wastewater.

Travel:

• Up to 10% of travel.

Estimated Salary Range:

• $23.37-$32.69

US Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs or steps on a frequent basis.
• Will lift up to 58 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instruction.
• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Will push or pull up to 50 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 37 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye separately and both eyes (with or without correction), the ability to distinguish between red, yellow, and green and peripheral vision >70 degrees is required.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Must comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including, but not limited to: steel-toed shoes, cut-resistant gloves, jackets, aprons &/or arm guards, safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection & respirators) as a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.