Lab Technician at Valence Surface Technologies in Wichita, KS

Valence Surface Technologies is a full-service surface finishing company specializing in the commercial aerospace, defense, space and satellite industries. With ten strategically located sites across the United States, Valence provides a start to finish solution from NDT and chemical processing, to paint and sub-assembly.

Summary:

Responsible for leading the department in achieving established periodic testing requirements and provide strategic planning to enable the department to meet those goals.

Responsibilities:

• Create monthly lab orders for physical testing
• Scribe / create metal specimens for testing
• Track both physical and analytical tests to ensure they are performed within the required time frame.
• Perform both analytical and physical tests to include but not limited to, corrosion testing, paint adhesion, powder test, plating adhesion, abrasion resistance, coating weight tests, cleaner weight loss, intragranular attack & end-grain pitting, metal removal tests, hydrogen embrittlement tensile tests, impact tests, hydrogen pick-up, Atomic Absorption elemental analysis, potentiometric titrations, acid-base titrations, gravimetric analysis, UV-Vis Spectrophotometer operation and testing, pH analysis, conductivity, and resistivity testing.
• Create test reports to outline the testing procedures and results of internally performed tests.
• Perform clerical duties to file lab orders, test certs, chemical certificates of analysis, metal specimen certificate of analysis, purchase orders, etc.
• Review testing records / logs for accuracy of results and to ensure results are within shop control and specification limits.
• Review and monitor tank temperature recording program to ensure solution temperatures of process tanks stay within customer required ranges.
• Tag out process tanks when needed due to out of range concentrations, temperatures, etc.
• Communicate with shop personnel to inform shop employee’s of issues with tanks, test specimens, and/or operation of baths.
• Handle glassware used for analytical testing, know how to use precision measuring glassware for analytical testing, and perform proper cleaning procedures to prevent cross contamination issues between testing mediums.
• Operate corrosion resistance / salt spray chamber and perform any required minor maintenance on chamber (e.g. change filters, unclog exhaust / drain lines, etc.)
• Adhere to all safety procedures and know how to use all personal protective equipment, first aid kits, eye wash stations, and other safety devices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry preferred or a minimum of 3 years related experience
• Laboratory functions within a manufacturing setting  
• Prefer at least 3 years of related work experience

Export Compliance Requirement
This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”.