Chemistry Analyst

Qualis LLC is seeking a Chemistry Analyst to support one of our Space Programs in Huntsville, AL.

Essential Functions:

• Provide chemical and scientific support and insight into the development of fluid systems and mechanical assemblies in support of the Life support and Fluid Systems Test Branch. Provide hands on analytical support of the group, and manage the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems Laboratory. Will work directly with the NASA customer, and as such, good communication and writing skills are a must. Specific duties include:
• Routine coordination with all branch personnel, project WBS leads, and Principle Investigators to make sure that all test sample schedules and analytical requirements are clearly identified in test plans, Test & Checkout Procedures (TCPs), and Test Preparations Sheets (TPS) prior to the documents being approved and signed.
• Coordinate with Branch Chief and Subelement Lead to determine if upcoming sample and analytical support is within the current scope of the relevant Engineering and Science Skills Services Augmentation and Task Order Plan (TOP) sub-elements. When upcoming support is beyond the current scope, work with Branch Chief and Subelement Lead to process a TOP revision to document the additional support requested and budget allocated.
• When new work that requires analytical support is being proposed (in response to agency BAA, new project tasks, ISS Change Requests, etc.), cooperate with the "proposal lead" to develop the budget estimate for the proposed support.
• Attend all Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) for Tests that require analytical support and communicate to the TRR Boards the readiness and availability of laboratory staff and equipment (both within ES62 and in outside organizations if/when needed) to support test operations.
• Ensure that all sample analyses called out in test plans, TCPs, and TPSs are completed as required and that the data is reduced, compiled, recorded, and preserved as quality records when required.
• Ensure that proper quality control procedures governing sample collection/receipt, chain of custody, sample prep, sample analysis, data recording, etc. are in place and followed accordingly.
• Coordinate with branch personnel, project WBS leads, Principle Investigators, and laboratory staff to react to unexpected test events that require changes to planned analytical support requirements.
• With assistance from laboratory staff, ensure that branch analytical equipment is properly maintained and calibrated to meet current and upcoming test requirements. Ensure that chemical inventories and supplies are available to meet current and upcoming test requirements.
• Identify any capital equipment replacement or upgrade needs required to sustain ES62's capability to support anticipated testing. Maintain an ongoing list of desired replacements and upgrades that can be quickly referenced when unexpected project and/or institutional funding becomes available on short notice.
• Access and perform trend analysis data on International Space Station Flight data acquisition.
• Reduce data and produce documentation for Water Removal System (WRS) related ground testing.
• Participate in running WRS tests.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related field from an ABET accredited institution is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree; or 6 years of related experience with a Master's; or a minimum of 4 years of experience with a Ph.D.
• Good management, organizational skills, and tested need forecasting skills are required.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation a must.
• Experience in Gas Chromatography, Organic Carbon Analyzers, Ion Chromatography, and GC- Mass Spectroscopy a plus.
• NASA experience preferred.
• Requires ability to interact professionally with co-workers, managers, supervisors, and customers.
• Requires ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Some travel may be required (<5%).
• Must be able to provide proof of U.S Citizenship.

Work Environment:

• Some exposure to potentially hazardous substances and tools as usually found in a chemistry lab environment (organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, oxidizers, acids, bases, hot plates, vacuum pumps, compressed gasses, etc.) and machinery (lifts, tools, etc.) and materials as usually found in a light industrial environment (50%).

Equipment and Machines:

• Requires ability to operate a personal computer, a telephone, fax machine, copier, calculator, and other general office equipment. Strong knowledge of analytical laboratory equipment (40%) such as gas chromatographs, ion chromatographs, carbon analyzers, PC use (50%); and light industrial equipment and non-power hand tools (10%).

Attendance:

• Normal workday is from 7:30am through 4:30pm, Monday thru Friday.
• Minimal overtime may be required (10%) to meet schedule milestones and support technical demands of the job.
• Regular attendance is a necessity and adequate arrangements for delegating duties during absences are required.

Other Essential Functions:

• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to make rational decisions, and to exercise good judgment is essential.
• Grooming and dress must be appropriate for the position and must not impose a safety risk/hazard to the employee or others.

Benefits

Qualis is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and talented workforce who can contribute to the mission and vision of the Company. Our employees are our greatest asset and we promote a positive work environment, teamwork, professional growth, innovation, community involvement, flexible scheduling and a family-friendly work environment.