Chemical Laboratory Technician - 1st Shift

Responsibilities

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Chemical Laboratory Technician to support and maintain chemical process controls for aerospace surface treatment operations.

The Chemical Lab Technician will be responsible for sampling, testing, analyzing, documenting, and monitoring chemical solutions used in processes such as anodizing, passivation, cleaning, etching, conversion coating, and other chemical finishing operations.

The technician will perform routine laboratory analysis of process tanks, verify that chemical concentrations and operating parameters remain within established specifications, identify out-of-control conditions, and work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production to maintain stable and compliant chemical processes.

This position requires strong attention to detail, disciplined laboratory practices, accurate documentation, and strict adherence to chemical safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect representative samples from chemical processing tanks according to established sampling frequencies and procedures.
• Perform routine chemical analysis of production solutions used for:
  • Anodizing
  • Passivation
  • Cleaning and degreasing
  • Acid etching
  • Deoxidizing/desmutting
  • Conversion coating and other chemical finishing processes
• Test and monitor solutions that may contain or involve acids such as hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, and mixed acid solutions, as applicable to approved company processes.
• Perform chemical concentration testing using laboratory techniques such as titration, pH measurement, conductivity measurement, specific gravity/density testing, and other analytical methods required by applicable process specifications.
• Monitor chemical bath parameters including concentration, contamination levels, pH, temperature, conductivity, and other specified characteristics.
• Compare analytical results against established process specifications, control limits, and operating ranges.
• Immediately identify and communicate out-of-specification or abnormal chemical conditions to Engineering, Quality, and Production.
• Calculate required chemical additions or adjustments according to approved procedures and established process controls.
• Coordinate with authorized personnel to make chemical bath additions and corrections.
• Retest adjusted solutions and verify that tanks have returned to acceptable operating ranges before release for production when required.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, chemical analysis logs, tank histories, and electronic records.
• Maintain chemical control charts and identify trends that could indicate bath deterioration, contamination, or process instability.
• Support investigation of chemical processing problems, nonconforming product, customer concerns, and corrective actions.
• Assist Process/Manufacturing Engineering with troubleshooting and continuous improvement of chemical processes.
• Prepare and standardize laboratory reagents and solutions according to approved procedures.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, glassware, testing instruments, and calibration/verification records.
• Monitor laboratory chemical inventory, reagent expiration dates, and required consumables.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and follow established chemical labeling, storage, handling, and disposal requirements.
• Follow all applicable Environmental, Health & Safety requirements when working with hazardous chemicals.
• Use required PPE and established engineering controls when handling corrosive or hazardous materials.
• Support internal, customer, AS9100, Nadcap, and other applicable special-process audits by providing chemical-control records and objective evidence.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities related to chemical processing, laboratory controls, documentation, and process capability.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

• 3+ years of experience working with chemical processing, plating, anodizing, passivation, or metal finishing laboratory.

• Ability to safely work with corrosive acids, alkaline solutions, and other industrial chemicals.
• Ability to accurately perform mathematical calculations involving concentration, dilution, chemical additions, and solution preparation.
• Ability to read and follow written laboratory procedures, work instructions, process specifications, and safety requirements. Strong documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and electronic data-entry systems. Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize abnormal test results and process trends.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certificate, or college coursework in Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Materials Science, Laboratory Science, or a related technical field preferred.

• Previous experience working in a chemical laboratory, metal finishing facility, plating operation, aerospace manufacturing environment, or similar industrial environment preferred.

• Ability to work independently while communicating effectively with Engineering, Quality, Production, and EHS personnel. 

• Experience performing chemical titrations and solution concentration analysis.

• Hands-on experience with chemical bath analysis for anodizing and/or passivation processes.
• Experience with acid/base titration, pH meters, conductivity meters, hydrometers/density measurements, and laboratory analytical equipment.
• Experience working with controlled processes involving hydrofluoric acid (HF), nitric acid, and other strong acids.
• Familiarity with aerospace special-process specifications and customer requirements.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and Nadcap chemical processing requirements.
• Experience maintaining chemical analysis logs, bath-control records, SPC/control charts, and process-control documentation.
• Experience supporting audits and corrective-action investigations.

 

Safety Requirements

This position may involve work with hazardous and highly corrosive chemicals, including strong acids and alkaline solutions. The employee must strictly follow all company Environmental, Health & Safety procedures, chemical-handling requirements, SDS instructions, emergency-response procedures, and PPE requirements.

The employee must successfully complete all required chemical safety and process-specific training before independently handling hazardous chemicals.

Physical / Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in both laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses/goggles, face protection, protective clothing, and other equipment as required.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while collecting process samples.
• Ability to safely transport small chemical samples between production tanks and the laboratory.
• Ability to lift and handle laboratory supplies and chemical containers within established company safety limits.

Primary Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Completion of required tank analyses according to established frequencies.
• Accuracy and repeatability of laboratory testing.
• Timely identification and escalation of out-of-control chemical conditions.
• Accuracy and completeness of chemical-control records.
• Compliance with process specifications and laboratory procedures.
• Audit readiness of chemical-process records.
• Safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Effective support of stable and repeatable aerospace chemical-processing operations.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

If a pay range is identified for this job, it is based on a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as education, experience, skillset, market/business considerations, and/or location. 

Howmet Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees. Benefits include: 

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision benefits coverage, including FSA and HSA account options 
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) retirement savings plans offering employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution 
• Paid holidays and vacation time (eligibility, accrual, and usage are discretionary and governed by applicable policies)
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs 
• Life insurance and disability coverage plans 
• Optional coverage plans for auto, home, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance 
• Tuition Assistance Program and ongoing professional development opportunities 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

Our Story:

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $8.3 Billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2025 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report. Follow: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email:  TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) is a business unit of Howmet Aerospace, headquartered in Torrance, California.  We hold the number one global position in aerospace fastening systems, and we’re the North American leader in commercial transportation fasteners. Our high-tech, multi-material fastening systems are found nose to tail on aircraft and aerospace engines. Our products are also critical components of industrial gas turbines, automobiles, commercial transportation vehicles, and construction and industrial equipment.