Engineering Lab Manager Jobs in Tampa, FL (NOW HIRING)

Summary:

Aquatech is a global leader in water purification systems technology for both industrial and infrastructure markets located in the United States and internationally. We support our clients with sustainable water purification systems and technologies that are solving the worlds water scarcity challenges.

We have an immediate need for a fulltime Pilot Chemist to work in our Hartland, Wisconsin office. The Pilot Chemist will report to the Lab Manager. The ideal candidate will have safe working habits, good communication and organization skills, the ability to interpret instructions, and an attention to detail. The Pilot Lead will perform the job duties listed in the description below and will be considered a non-exempt employee.

PILOT LEAD

• Ensuring a safe working environment at all times and that all safety policies are being followed
• Oversee operation of pilot and laboratory testing, ensuring that key performance indicators are met including operating conditions, sampling frequency, and testing quality
• Operate equipment and pilot systems to conduct pilot testing, including making process changes, recording process measurables, and performing analytical testing
• Operating small industrial equipment such as reactors, mixers, pumps, heaters, centrifuges, sieve shakers and chillers
• Interacting regularly with Engineering to understand pilot goals and provide updates
• Communicate observations, potential challenges and potential process design improvements
• Completing end of shift reports to document operating notes
• Transferring required information to the next shift including updated process objectives, operational setpoints, sampling requirements, and lessons learned
• Writing and reading operating procedures, drawings and pilot guidelines
• Data collection by reading pressure, temperature, flow and level gauges
• Train new laboratory technicians and assist with developing new training materials
• Ensuring all containers are properly labelled and feed, product, and waste are stored appropriately
• Maintaining cleanliness of pilot and laboratory areas and equipment

EQUIPMENT

• Collaborate with Engineering in the design of pilot test systems
• Assemble and build pilot test apparatus
• Troubleshooting and repairing equipment required for pilot operation
• Maintaining an inventory of equipment required for pilot operation
• Managing spare parts inventory and initiating ordering when necessary
• Performing regular maintenance on equipment critical to pilot operations success
• Calibrating temperature, pressure, and flow sensors at desired intervals
• Performing mechanical work requiring the use of wrenches, power tools, and hand tools to assemble, disassemble, and inspect pilot equipment
• Oversee that cleanliness and organization standards are maintained in the pilot area
• Performing light building improvement projects at the facility

LABORATORY

• Performing detailed measurements on samples from pilot testing in order to determine key properties including viscosity, boiling point elevation, specific gravity, pH, and particle size distribution
• Conducting analytical chemistry tests including titrations, solids composition analysis, crystal characterization
• Performing benchtop testing on client samples to support Engineering
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for bench top measurements including viscosity, boiling point elevation, specific gravity, pH, and particle size distribution
• Taking precise notes and observations during testing, performing calculations and preparing reports summarizing testing procedures, observations and results
• Treating waste streams for proper disposal
• Maintaining proper labelling on all containers
• Monitoring required chemical inventory and initiating ordering of chemical stock as required

ANALYTICAL

• Setting up and running samples through instruments including spectrometry and chromatography, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of results
• Calibrating instruments to ensure accuracy of results
• Communicating equipment needs and performing approved troubleshooting
• Performing regular maintenance to ensure consistent equipment operation
• Training new technicians to prepare samples for analysis
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization of analytical room

Qualifications / Experience:

• BS degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science or other related field OR
• Associate in Applied Science Degree with strong chemistry / science course work OR
• Non-degreed related work experience
• Mechanical aptitude/technical background desired
• Experience/training in bench top ‘wet’ inorganic chemistry analytical procedures desired
• Leadership experience
• Detail oriented, Communicate and receive precise chemical data and procedures
• Ability to understand and follow detailed lab procedures and safety sheets
• Experience/familiarity with standard laboratory instruments such as pH and conductivity meters, analytical balances, and microscopes
• Demonstrate initiative and willingness to learn and grow in responsibility on the job
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Ability to work independently, with a minimum of supervision

Skill Requirements:

• Ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external customers
• Maintain positive attitude
• Possess good organizational skills
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
• Ability to be hands on and to carry out tasks with minimal monitoring
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts as needed by testing
• Ability to work weekdays and weeknights and overtime as required by testing
• Ability to occasionally work weekends as required by testing

Essential Functions:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above and below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Job Demands:

Lifting / carrying / moving 50 lbs, may need to climb ladders and cannot be afraid of heights, and will need to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in the laboratory. Needs high degree of concentration in a busy area.