Entry Level Chemical Engineering Jobs in Tennessee

Laboratory Technician – Gas Analysis

Job Description

The Laboratory Technician – Gas Analysis works in one of several analytical laboratories performing routine and non‑routine analysis of medical and specialty gases to detect impurities and verify product quality. This hands‑on role involves operating analytical instrumentation, connecting and handling gas cylinders, using laboratory software, and maintaining strict adherence to quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. The position offers the opportunity to support a growing industry with strong potential for long‑term career growth and conversion to a permanent role.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing of gas samples for impurities using gas chromatography and spectroscopic techniques to verify product quality.
• Connect gas cylinders to analytical systems within ventilated cabinets, initiate analysis runs, and safely disconnect cylinders upon completion, with cylinder hook‑up and removal potentially taking up to 30 minutes per sample.
• Operate and maintain gas chromatography systems, including GC and GCP‑type instruments, using Galaxy/Compass GC control software to conduct precise analyses.
• Utilize Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers to identify and quantify gas components and trace impurities.
• Conduct analysis using CO₂ analyzers to measure carbon dioxide concentration and purity as required by product specifications.
• Upload, review, and document analytical results in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to ensure accurate data capture and traceability.
• Perform routine calibration, verification, and basic maintenance of analytical instruments to maintain accuracy, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Analyze finished gas products to confirm purity and conformance to internal specifications and customer requirements.
• Calculate, prepare, and fill medical and specialty gas mixtures and pure gases using partial pressure and gravimetric techniques.
• Test and certify incoming raw materials prior to use in production to ensure they meet required standards.
• Process cylinders for shipment, including painting, labeling, valve preparation, and generating certificates of analysis.
• Maintain complete and accurate quality control records and documentation in compliance with company policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Handle, move, and load gas cylinders as required to support testing, production, and shipment activities.
• Participate in all required safety training and activities, and actively maintain a safe, compliant laboratory work environment.
• Apply knowledge of chromatographic peak characteristics and instrument control to interpret results and troubleshoot analyses as needed.

Essential Skills

• Experience working in a laboratory environment with a focus on chemistry, quality control, and analytical testing.
• Hands‑on experience with gas chromatography techniques and chromatographic analysis.
• Ability to operate GC and GCP‑type systems and use GC controlling software such as Galaxy/Compass for instrument control and data acquisition.
• Understanding of chromatographic peak characteristics and related data interpretation.
• Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, for gas analysis.
• Experience handling toxic and hazardous chemicals in a controlled laboratory setting, following established safety protocols.
• Knowledge of gas handling systems, ventilated cabinets, and safe cylinder connection, disconnection, and movement.
• Ability to perform routine calibration, verification, and basic maintenance of analytical instruments.
• Competence in using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for uploading, reviewing, and documenting analytical results.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining complete and accurate quality control records in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ability to calculate, prepare, and fill gas mixtures using partial pressure and gravimetric techniques.
• Capability to work rotating day and night shifts, including weekends and holidays, in a 24/7 operational environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, OR at least 2 years of analytical laboratory experience.
• Toxic chemical handling experience preferred, including safe work practices and hazard awareness.
• Open to entry‑level graduates with chemical handling experience gained through academic laboratory work or internships.
• Background in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) or regulated laboratory environments is beneficial.
• Experience as a laboratory technician or chemical engineer in analysis‑focused roles is an advantage.
• Familiarity with concepts related to chromatographic order and peak behavior to support method execution and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work accurately under time constraints while managing multiple samples and tasks.
• Strong communication skills to document results clearly and collaborate with laboratory and production teams.
• Interest in long‑term growth within a rapidly expanding industry, with potential for conversion from consulting to permanent employment.
• Reliability and flexibility to adhere to a structured rotating schedule and maintain consistent performance across day and night shifts.

Work Environment

The role is based in a very clean and organized chemistry laboratory dedicated to medical and specialty gas analysis. The environment involves frequent handling of gas cylinders and extremely hazardous chemicals, requiring strict adherence to safety procedures, use of appropriate personal protective equipment, and compliance with regulatory standards. Laboratory equipment includes gas chromatography systems (GC and GCP‑type), Galaxy/Compass GC control software, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, CO₂ analyzers, gas handling systems, ventilated cabinets, and a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The position follows a DuPont rotating schedule that provides 24/7 operational coverage, with structured rotations between day and night shifts. The schedule includes weekends and holidays based on the rotation rather than a traditional Monday–Friday pattern, and is published well in advance, offering longer stretches of time off compared to a standard workweek. The role offers 8 paid holidays and a vacation/PTO structure where consultants receive 40 hours of PTO for every 6 months of tenure, along with the opportunity to transition to a permanent position in a growing industry.

This is a Permanent position based out of Waverly, TN.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $28.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Waverly,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

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