Tester

Kern Energy; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 4,133,000 - 5,510,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern Energy is seeking an Experienced Tester to perform lab testing and analysis of refinery materials, ensuring compliance with quality, regulatory, and operational standards. The role handles instrumentation, calibration, data management in LIMS, and supports the Kern Laboratory Quality Control Program.

Candidates will work in a lab environment with 12-hour rotating shifts, handling hazardous materials safely and communicating results to operations and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of laboratory techniques and quality control principles.
• Familiarity with refinery laboratory equipment and software.
• Proficiency with LIMS and instrument interfaces.
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Ability to work with ASTM, UOP, IP, and EPA test methods.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and manage hazardous materials.
• Prioritize work and coordinate with Lab Supervisor and departments.
• Collect and test samples per procedures and testing protocols.
• Perform routine ASTM testing and operate laboratory instruments.
• Enter and manage results in LIMS and maintain records.
• Communicate test results to operations and engineering teams.
• Operate and verify instruments like distillation units and density meters.
• Support calibration, standards verification, and QC checks.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and inventories.
• Contribute to the Quality Control Program and ASTM D6299.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Quality control

Attention to detail

Written/verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Associate degree with experience

Laboratory experience preferred

Tools

Baytek Bliss

LIMS

Instrument software

SOPs

Job description

Job Details

Level: Experienced
Job Location: Corporate Office - Bakersfield, CA 93307
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: 4 Year Degree
Salary Range: $35.02 - $35.02 Hourly
Travel Percentage: None
Job Shift: Rotating 12-hour Shift
Job Category: Other

Position Summary

Kern Energy is seeking a Tester who performs laboratory testing and analysis of refinery raw materials, intermediate products, and finished products to ensure compliance with quality, regulatory, and operational requirements. This position operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation, performs calibration and quality control activities, manages testing data within LIMS, and supports the Kern Laboratory Quality Control Program. The successful candidate will exhibit Kern's core values of Teamwork, Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Connection.

Job Function

• 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.

QualificationsKnowledge Skills

• Knowledge of laboratory techniques, chemical analysis, and quality control principles.
• Familiarity with refinery laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and software applications.
• Working knowledge of ASTM, UOP, IP, and EPA test methods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), preferably Baytek Bliss.
• Ability to operate instrument software interfaces and manage laboratory data.
• Strong attention to detail and recordkeeping skills.
• Effective troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and industry standards.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to accuracy, precision, and reliability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts and overtime as required.
• Refinery, petroleum, chemical, or petrochemical laboratory experience preferred.

Education/ Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field preferred.
• Associate degree with relevant experience may be considered.
• Previous laboratory experience preferred.
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) preferred.
• Refinery, petroleum, chemical, or petrochemical laboratory experience preferred.