Chemistry Lab Technician

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT

We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We require a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

Location: On-site in Lynchburg, Virginia

Your Day to Day as a Chemistry Lab Technician: 

• Perform established analytical chemistry determinations in a Quality Control Chemistry Lab, work is predominantly inorganic in nature.
• Follow written and verbal instructions to meet required precision and accuracy requirements.
• Maintain process and procedural qualification in area of cognizance.
• Weigh, measure and mix both Uranium (for TRISO applications) and non-Uranium containing chemicals.
• Perform sample preparation through weighing, dissolving, diluting and furnace treating samples.
• Operate analytical instruments such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF, Pycnometers, Surface Area Analyzers, automated titration units and IC units.
• Oversee, troubleshoot and perform established analytical chemistry determinations consistently and accurately.
• Train new quality control technicians to perform analytical chemistry determinations.
• Perform calculations to complete assignments.
• Review and comment on existing procedures and assists in generating new analytical procedures.
• Participate on process improvement teams.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of an associate's degree in a technical field plus two (2) years of relevant experience OR a high school diploma with six (6) years of relevant experience is required. 
  
• Must have proven ability to work with high level of attention to detail.
  
• Must have strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  
• Must have demonstrated experience working in a team environment.
  
• Must be self-motivated. Must show initiative with minimal supervision.
  
• Must be proficient with MS Word, Excel and/or comparable programs.
• Must be a U.S. citizen. 
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) clearance.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• An associate's degree or higher with a focus on Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or other physical science related field is preferred. 
• A strong background in mechanics is highly preferred.
• Experience performing preventative maintenance is desired.
• Experience in a quality control analytical laboratory (preferred inorganic in nature) is desired.
• Experience operating analytical instruments such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF, Pycnometers, Surface Area Analyzers, automated titration units and IC units is desired.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management System is desired.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $60,000.00 - $90,000.00

The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $60,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.  The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols.  As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.

BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid (“Agreement”). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT’s Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.