Lab Analyst

Laboratory Analyst I

Moove Oil Analysis Laboratory is currently recruiting a Laboratory Analyst I for the Engine Guard Oil Analysis program. This position is Monday-Friday, first shift.

The Laboratory Analyst performs routine and non-routine laboratory testing on new and in-service lubricants to support quality control, customer oil analysis programs, product development, and technical services. This position utilizes standardized laboratory methods and analytical instrumentation to evaluate the chemical and physical properties of lubricants, interpret test results, verify compliance with product specifications, and communicate findings to internal and external customers.

The Laboratory Analyst is responsible for maintaining a safe laboratory environment, ensuring data quality, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and contributing to the laboratory's goal of delivering accurate analytical results within established turnaround times.

The laboratory is separated into three main operational areas as described below. The Lab Analyst position may work in either Refinery Support or Engine Guard Oil Analysis but may be required to cross-train in multiple areas depending on business needs.

Engine Guard Oil Analysis

• Receive and process customers used oil samples from a variety of sources and applications.
• Perform condition monitoring tests on used lubricants.
• Review and interpret analytical data for signs of wear, contamination, or lubricant degradation to determine what further testing is required.

Refinery Support

• Provide analytical support for refinery operations on assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating schedules as required.
• Test refinery process samples, base oils, intermediates, and finished products.
• Perform quality control testing to verify compliance with production specifications.
• Communicate results to refinery operations to support production decisions.
• Prioritize testing to minimize production delays.

Formulation Quality Control

• Evaluate the chemical and physical properties of raw materials received prior to production.
• Test blended lubricants to verify compliance with product specifications.
• Provide final approval for outgoing products prior to packaging or shipping.
• Create and maintain documentation of 'Certificates of Analysis' for outgoing products.
• Communicate clearly with the blending department to maximize workflow efficiency.
• Provide corrections for non-compliant material to bring quality up to specifications.
• Troubleshoot issues with product or raw material quality.

Essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following. The company reserves the right to add to, delete, change or modify the essential duties and responsibilities at any time. All work is to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with company standards. Other duties may be assigned.

Sample Management

• Receive, verify, label, and log incoming samples into the laboratory information systems.
• Review sample documentation for completeness and resolve discrepancies.
• Prioritize workload to meet established turnaround time goals.

Laboratory Testing

• Perform routine and non-routine analysis of lubricants using ASTM and company-approved methods. These tests include but are not limited to trace elements using ICP-OES, closed-cup and open-cup flashpoint, Kinematic Viscosity, PCBs by GC-ECD, API Gravity, %water content, sulfur by XRF, volatility, Viscosity using Cold Crank Simulator, oxidation by FTIR, viscosity, particle count, TBN, crackle, soot content, antifreeze contamination.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation.
• Accurately prepare reagents, calibration standards, and samples prior to testing.
• Perform quality control testing and verify instrument performance before reporting results.
• Evaluate test validity and repeat testing when necessary.

Data Review

• Review analytical results for accuracy and specification compliance.
• Identify abnormal or unexpected results and perform appropriate investigations.
• Interpret laboratory data and communicate findings to the appropriate parties.
• Enter, verify, and maintain accurate laboratory records.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering laboratory supplies and consumables.
• Assist with development and revision of laboratory procedures and documentation.

Safety

• Follow all laboratory safety procedures and chemical hygiene requirements.
• Properly handle hazardous materials and dispose of laboratory waste.
• Wear required PPE and maintain a safe work environment.

What we offer:

• Competitive starting salary
• Major Medical/Dental/Vision
• 401k Company Match
• Paid time off & Holiday Pay
• Company paid life insurance
• Company paid long term disability
• Uniforms and yearly work boot allowance

Career progression:

The Laboratory analyst role offers a structured career path from entry-level to senior analysts with increasing responsibilities, technical knowledge and leadership abilities. Each tier builds on skill development, experience, levels of authority and contribution to laboratory operations. Analysts start at level I but individuals with extended education/experience may enter in at a higher level if qualified.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education/Experience:

• Some previous college courses in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Technology, Laboratory Science, Engineering Technology, or related scientific discipline required. Associate degree or higher preferred.
• Required 1-2 years of experience in a petroleum, lubricant, chemical or analytical laboratory. Previous experience with analytical instrumentation such as ICP, GC, etc.; preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and laboratory experience may be considered.

Competencies & Skills:

• Strong technical skills with a strong understanding of scientific methodologies and good laboratory practices.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate test results and identify any discrepancies or abnormalities.
• Attention to detail and ability to ensure precise and accurate data collection.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and solve issues that may arise during laboratory testing.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with other laboratory personnel over different shifts.
• Time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with sound decision making abilities.

Computer Skills:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, Teams), laboratory information systems (LIMS), instrument software, and database applications.

Work Environment:

• Indoors; environmentally controlled setting while in laboratory.
• Will require the ability to work in proximity of, and with other employees of the lab.
• PPE; primarily including gloves, safety glasses and lab coat.
• Occasionally will need to go down to the production/warehouse floor where exposure to forklift traffic, mechanical parts, wet surfaces, low and high noise levels as well as hazardous waste, and chemical exposure is possible. Additional PPE requirements include safety vest and steel-toed boots

Physical Demands:

• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally may need to move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to distinguish color changes and instrument indicators.
• Manual dexterity required for handling small laboratory glassware and precision instruments.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing laboratory procedures.
• Frequent repetitive hand movements associated with pipetting, sample preparation, and computer use.