Chemical Technician

Job Title: QC Chemist / Chemical Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on performing detailed analytical testing on hydrocarbon products such as gasoline, diesel, military jet fuel, and transmix to ensure regulatory compliance. You will follow CARB, EPA, and ASTM test methods, maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, and support quality control processes in a professional lab environment. This position offers hands-on experience with real-world petroleum products, a high level of independence, and the opportunity to develop strong technical skills and industry knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed analytical testing on gasoline, diesel, military jet fuel, transmix, and other petroleum products to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conduct testing in accordance with CARB, EPA, and ASTM methodologies, including but not limited to ASTM D6377, ASTM D7536, ASTM D86, ASTM D7094, and ASTM D5972.
• Carry out preventive maintenance, calibration, and minor repair of laboratory equipment used to test gasoline, diesel, and certify military jet fuel.
• Maintain accurate and complete supporting documentation for all testing, calibration, and maintenance activities.
• Communicate with delivering pipeline personnel to arrange off-site sample collection and ensure timely analysis.
• Maintain laboratory integrity by following proper housekeeping procedures and ensuring a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Perform regular calibration checks and preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments to ensure reliability and accuracy.
• Coordinate oversight programs with third-party laboratories and collaborate with the Quality Control Manager to help manage monthly laboratory-related expenses.
• Support quality control processes by adhering to established procedures and contributing to continuous improvement of lab practices.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned to support overall laboratory and quality control operations.

Essential Skills

• Prior experience in the petroleum or chemical industry, with refinery experience considered a plus.
• General chemistry knowledge and hands-on experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Degree in a chemistry-related field preferred, with 1+ year of professional laboratory experience, or an equivalent amount of related work experience in a lab setting.
• Familiarity with ASTM standards and methodologies used for testing petroleum products.
• Demonstrated attention to detail when performing tests, recording data, and maintaining documentation.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance, calibration, and minor repair of laboratory equipment.
• Strong laboratory skills, including safe handling of chemicals and operation of analytical instruments.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with pipeline personnel and colleagues at other locations.
• Capability to work independently and manage responsibilities with minimal on-site supervision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the oil and gas industry, particularly in quality control or laboratory roles, is preferred.
• Third-party Laboratory Information System initiation, customization, and training experience is a plus.
• Formal education in chemistry or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• Proven ability to follow standardized test methods such as ASTM D6377, ASTM D7536, ASTM D86, ASTM D7094, and ASTM D5972.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, documentation, and equipment maintenance tasks.
• Interest in developing deeper technical expertise with petroleum products and laboratory quality systems.
• Motivation to build confidence, independence, and industry knowledge in a laboratory-focused career.

Work Environment

The role is based in a laboratory setting focused on testing petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Samples are delivered from the field to the lab, allowing the technician to remain in the lab throughout the shift. The technician may work completely independently for the entire shift, and there may be no other employees physically present at the lab during that time. Leadership and team members at other laboratory locations remain available for communication and support. New hires receive hands-on training with another employee before working alone in the lab, ensuring they are comfortable with procedures and equipment. The lab operates with an automated safety system designed to support technician safety, and the environment emphasizes proper housekeeping, equipment care, and adherence to standardized test methods.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $20.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Phoenix,AZ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.