Technical Service Chemist- ZERUST – Circle Pines, MN

Northern Technologies International Corporation; Minnesota; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Technologies International Corporation is seeking a Technical Service Chemist for ZERUST in Circle Pines, MN. You will deliver technical support, perform laboratory tests, and communicate findings to customers and internal teams, with travel up to 50%.

The role emphasizes careful data analysis, problem solving, and developing recommendations across ZERUST products while collaborating with sales and lab staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a hard science or engineering; chemistry/chemical engineering/materials science preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to ZERUST customers and Sales team.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer discussions

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Learning ZERUST products

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hard science or engineering

Tools

Ion chromatography

pH measurement

Conductivity testing

Bacteria testing

Job description

• Technical Service Chemist – ZERUST – Circle Pines, MN

Technical Service Chemist – ZERUST – Circle Pines, MN

Job Title: Technical Service Chemist – ZERUST – Circle Pines, MN
Location: Circle Pines, MN
Travel Required: Up to 50% (20 – 30% most common)
Position Type:Full Time

Purpose:

The Industrial Corrosion and Chemistry Specialist provides technical support to ZERUST customers, Sales, and internal teams through laboratory testing, technical problem-solving, customer communication, and field support. This position investigates corrosion and application problems, determines appropriate testing, interprets results, develops technically sound recommendations, and prepares professional technical reports.

The role requires a strong scientific foundation, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to develop broad technical knowledge across the ZERUST product portfolio while operating with minimal guidance.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to ZERUST customers and the Sales team.
• Participate actively in customer calls and technical discussions.
• Investigate corrosion, cleaning, packaging, application, and related technical problems through laboratory testing and field observations.
• Determine appropriate testing approaches and perform laboratory work safely, accurately, and consistently. (including, but not limited to, pH, conductivity, bacteria testing, ion chromatography, and various corrosion test methods)
• Interpret results and develop technically sound recommendations.
• Prepare clear, professional technical reports and communicate findings to customers, sales, and internal teams.
• Develop broad working knowledge of ZERUST products, applications, corrosion prevention, and related manufacturing processes.
• Visit customer facilities to investigate problems, collect information or samples, assist with trials, and evaluate applications.
• Conduct technical presentations, training, and occasional product evaluation or development activities.
• Manage multiple projects, samples, tests, reports, and priorities while maintaining accuracy and follow-through.
• Collaborate effectively with Sales, laboratory personnel, and other technical team members.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a hard science or engineering discipline required; Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, or another chemistry-intensive field strongly preferred.
• Basic laboratory competency required, including accurate measurement, sample preparation, pH measurement, chemical handling, and laboratory safety.
• Prior experience with corrosion, metal pretreatment, coatings, industrial cleaning, manufacturing, or metalworking is preferred but not required.
• Strong computer skills, including working with technical data, spreadsheets, reports, and presentations.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand interactions between equipment, processes, chemistry, materials, and operating conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be willing to obtain a valid passport to travel within the United States, Canada, and Mexico
• Must be able to travel independently up to 50% of the time (Travel can be sporadic and last minute at times; 20 -30% travel is most common)

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Comfortable participating in customer and Sales discussions and developing the ability to explain technical recommendations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate laboratory work, data, and reports.
• Ability to organize incomplete information, ask effective questions, and determine an appropriate path forward.
• Strong organization, project management, and self-starter.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt as customer and laboratory needs change.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team environment.
• Professional judgment and composure when working with customers or urgent technical issues.
• Strong safety awareness and willingness to work in laboratory and industrial manufacturing environments.
• Interest and ability to learn ZERUST products, chemistry, applications, and corrosion prevention technologies.

ISO:

• Every employee is expected to support the NTIC Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with our Quality System Manual and Quality Control Procedures. This position is responsible to set, follow and maintain the QMS and related Quality Control Procedures. This position also has change authority over their processes.