Lab Technician

Valence Surface Technologies is a full-service surface finishing company specializing in the commercial aerospace, defense, space and satellite industries. With ten strategically located sites across the United States, Valence provides a start‑to‑finish solution from NDT and chemical processing to paint and sub‑assembly. Summary Responsible for leading the department in achieving established periodic testing requirements and providing strategic planning to enable the department to meet those goals. Responsibilities Create monthly lab orders for physical testing. Scribe/create metal specimens for testing. Track both physical and analytical tests to ensure they are performed within the required time frame. Perform both analytical and physical tests to include but not limited to corrosion testing, paint adhesion, powder test, plating adhesion, abrasion resistance, coating weight tests, cleaner weight loss, intragranular attack & end‑grain pitting, metal removal tests, hydrogen embrittlement tensile tests, impact tests, hydrogen pick‑up, Atomic Absorption elemental analysis, potentiometric titrations, acid‑base titrations, gravimetric analysis, UV‑Vis Spectrophotometer operation and testing, pH analysis, conductivity, and resistivity testing. Create test reports to outline the testing procedures and results of internally performed tests. Perform clerical duties to file lab orders, test certificates, chemical certificates of analysis, metal specimen certificates of analysis, purchase orders, etc. Review testing records/logs for accuracy of results and to ensure results are within shop control and specification limits. Review and monitor tank temperature recording programme to ensure solution temperatures of process tanks stay within customer‑required ranges. Tag out process tanks when needed due to out‑of‑range concentrations, temperatures, etc. Communicate with shop personnel to inform shop employees of issues with tanks, test specimens, and/or operation of baths. Handle glassware used for analytical testing, know how to use precision measuring glassware for analytical testing, and perform proper cleaning procedures to prevent cross‑contamination issues between testing mediums. Operate corrosion resistance / salt spray chamber and perform any required minor maintenance on chamber (e.g., change filters, unclog exhaust/drain lines, etc.). Adhere to all safety procedures and know how to use all personal protective equipment, first aid kits, eye wash stations, and other safety devices. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry preferred or a minimum of 3 years related experience. Laboratory functions within a manufacturing setting. Prefer at least 3 years of related work experience. Export Compliance Requirement This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person”. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr