Metalworking Specialist

Job Title

The role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret test results and translate analytical findings into practical process improvements. Responsibilities include routine sampling and testing of metalworking fluids, maintaining accurate records, identifying trends, troubleshooting process issues, supporting chemical and fluid management programs, and communicating recommendations to site personnel and program management.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Perform routine sampling and analytical testing of metalworking fluids and machining systems according to established procedures and customer requirements.
• Monitor and document key metalworking fluid parameters, including concentration, pH, conductivity, hardness, alkalinity, contamination, and other applicable system-specific characteristics.
• Analyze test results, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions to maintain process stability and product quality.
• Troubleshoot metalworking fluid and machining system issues, including concentration fluctuations, contamination, foaming, odors, corrosion, biological activity, residue, and fluid performance concerns.
• Interact with site personnel, machine operators, maintenance personnel, engineering, and quality teams to support effective management of machining systems.
• Develop and maintain testing procedures, operating parameters, sampling plans, and control limits in collaboration with the on-site team.
• Manage metalworking fluid systems within documented customer operational parameters and established process specifications.
• Perform system inspections and assist with fluid maintenance, sump management, filtration, and fluid treatment activities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce fluid consumption, waste generation, operating costs, and process variability.
• Support metalworking fluid changes, system cleanouts, and equipment cleaning as required.
• Perform physical additions of approved chemicals or treatment products as necessary to maintain system parameters.
• Maintain accurate analytical records, spreadsheets, trend charts, and reports documenting system performance and corrective actions.
• Communicate analytical findings, system conditions, and recommended actions to the Program Manager and appropriate customer personnel.
• Research and take action on Requests for Service related to machining systems, metalworking fluids, and analytical testing.
• Identify recurring process issues and assist in developing root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.
• Work with appropriate site personnel to maintain chemical-related equipment, fluid handling equipment, filtration systems, and machining process support systems.
• Identify and communicate supplier or product performance issues through the appropriate channels.
• Receive deliveries, verify materials against documentation, and ensure deliveries comply with company and customer requirements.
• Maintain compliance with applicable safety, environmental, quality, and customer requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities involving machining processes, fluid management, analytical testing, waste reduction, and process optimization.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of metalworking fluids, machining processes, and industrial manufacturing systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Ability to identify and implement cost savings.
• Ability to perform laboratory and field-based testing accurately and consistently.
• Ability to interpret analytical data and communicate results to technical and non-technical personnel.
• Knowledge of common metalworking fluid testing methods and process control principles.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, documentation, and process consistency.
• Works effectively and maintains professional relationships with management, customers, machine operators, maintenance personnel, engineers, suppliers, contractors, and company personnel.
• Successfully manages and prioritizes a high volume of work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Accepts challenges, identifies opportunities, and willingly supports new projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrates flexibility and works effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with site and program management.
• Ability to use computers and peripherals to create spreadsheets, documents, graphs, trend reports, and presentations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work with analytical instruments, laboratory equipment, sampling equipment, and standard industrial tools.
• Ability to safely handle metalworking fluids, treatment chemicals, and other materials used in machining operations.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods while completing computer-based documentation and analysis.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods and walk throughout large industrial manufacturing facilities.
• 1–3 years of related experience preferred.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and/or Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry and/or preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of previous experience in chemical management.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in contract construction, negotiation, and application.

Core Competencies:

1. Analytical Testing & Data Interpretation – Accurately performs testing, evaluates results, identifies trends, and uses data to support process decisions.
2. Metalworking Process Knowledge – Understands machining systems, metalworking fluids, fluid condition, contamination, and factors affecting machining performance.
3. Problem Solving & Troubleshooting – Identifies root causes, develops corrective actions, and resolves process and fluid-related issues.
4. Communication & Customer Support – Effectively communicates analytical findings, recommendations, and system requirements to customers, operators, management, and technical personnel.

Work Environment:

Ability to handle multiple priorities and demands in a fast paced environment. This job operates in a manufacturing environment. This role requires presence on the manufacturing floor and a significant amount of walking on concrete surfaces. This role also routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets. Ability to work in team fostered environment. Ability to work in multi-tasked environment. Strong personality and focus in fast-paced and demanding environments. Ability to adapt to change quickly and multi-task.

Physical Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time in front of computer
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods and walk within very large industrial environments
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Travel:

Overnight travel may be required – less than 5%

EEO Statement:

Chemico provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Chemico complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Chemico expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Chemico employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.