The Company:

Pacific Aerospace & Electronics (PacAero) is seeking a Chemist to join our graveyard/nights team! A successful candidate is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology, performance, and innovation. Join us and connect your career to the future!

PacAero’s core businesses include an array of electronic connectors and housings for the world’s most extreme environments. PacAero is primarily located in Wenatchee, WA with a remote manufacturing site, Bonded Metals, located in Sequim, WA. Working together, we employ proprietary technologies, best practices engineering, and specialized manufacturing techniques to produce hermetic connectors and electronic packaging that perform in the world’s most extreme environments. PacAero’s products are hard at work in medical components, such as cardiac-function devices, on key aerospace & defense programs, in space and deep below the earth's surface.

The Position:

Job Summary

The Chemist 1 position is responsible for supporting plating operations through the application of fundamental chemical knowledge and analytical techniques. This role assists in monitoring, maintaining, and improving chemical processes while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Chemist 1 also supports the Chemistry Supervisor in daily lab operations, data recording, and assisting co-workers as needed.

Schedule: For the first 6 months (or less depending on hire's abilities), the training schedule will be Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm. After training, the normal schedule will be Monday - Friday, 9pm to 5:30am. When on the night schedule, the candidate will qualify for a $4/hr shift differential in addition to the base rate. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively with all employees and departments.
• Continuously monitor chemical and plating facility operations.
• Adapt work schedule as required to meet company needs.
• Attendance & Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time.
• Follow company handbook policy and company’s cell phone policy.
• Follow all safety procedures, wear appropriate PPE, and report hazardous conditions to supervisory/Environmental Health and Safety staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chemistry Supervisor.
• Maintain accurate and timely data entry in laboratory software and documentation systems.
• Demonstrate basic understanding of drawings, technical data sheets, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Support ongoing improvements to chemical processes and equipment operations.

Chemist I Responsibilities

• Perform tank makeups following written procedures, including identifying and handling chemical hazards per SDS guidelines.
• Conduct tank testing and chemical analyses using proper sampling, titration, and pipetting techniques.
• Operate laboratory and analytical instruments such as UV-VIS, AAS, XRF, FTIR, pH meters, ISE meters, hydrometers, and microscopes.
• Conduct routine tank maintenance activities, including draining, cleaning, and chemical treatments per standard operating procedures.
• Record test results accurately in TrueChem and notify supervisor when tanks are out of specification.
• Relay off-line tank status to plating personnel when out of specification conditions arise. 
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory, including rinsing and cleaning glassware and equipment.
• Assist in data collection and reporting for projects as assigned.
• Ensure proper labeling, storage, and disposal of chemical waste according to federal, state, and local regulations.
• Report low chemical inventory and assist with chemical logistics as needed.
• Maintain effective time management necessary to fulfil testing and production needs. 

Benefits:

PacAero provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

At PacAero, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment, and our benefits package is a reflection of this commitment. Our benefit offerings include:

• Insurance Benefits: We provide our employees with access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, voluntary life, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity, to ensure they can prioritize their health and well-being.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): We believe in the importance of work-life balance, so we offer generous PTO allowances that accrue with each pay period so that our employees can rest and recharge, spend time with family and friends, or pursue personal interests. Employees will also accrue sick time per WA state regulations.
• Paid Holidays: We recognize the importance of spending time with loved ones during holidays, so our employees receive paid holidays to celebrate and enjoy these moments.
• 401(k) w/ Matching: We offer a 100% match, up to 4%, to help our employees save for their future.
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurances: We want to ensure that our employees are protected in case of unexpected circumstances, and provide short-term & long-term disability insurances, entirely employer paid.
• Tuition Reimbursement: We believe in continuous learning and development and offer tuition reimbursement to support our employees' educational goals.
• Additional Perks: Our employees enjoy a range of additional benefits such as dependable work schedules, overtime opportunities, term life & AD&D insurance, corporate gym membership discounts, and more.

Due to ITAR Requirements, all PacAero employees must be classified as US Persons and are required to show proof upon hire. *U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15 of the ITAR: U.S. Person means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). It also means any corporation, business association, partnership, society, trust, or any other entity, organization or group that is incorporated to do business in the United States.

PacAero provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

Qualifications

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

   Essential:

• Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and in a laboratory/manufacturing environment.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds using proper lifting techniques and force-multiplying equipment such as drum dollies.
• Demonstrates dependability, accountability, and thoughtfulness in all assigned tasks.
• Retains and applies learned information effectively.
• Possesses strong observation and math skills.
• Exhibits clear, legible handwriting and attention to detail in data recording.
• Works with minimal supervision and demonstrates some independent problem-solving ability.
• Reports process deviations, inventory shortages, and safety concerns promptly.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and organized workspace.
• Supports company goals, policies, and team efforts.

Education / Previous Experience Requirements

• Prefer a BA/BS in a science-related field.
• 0–2 years of on-the-job experience or 4 years of education in a STEM-related field with at least 3 semesters of college-level chemistry, including 1–2 semesters of analytical chemistry. 
• Entry-level position for candidates with a BA/BS in life sciences/STEM or promotion from Chemistry Technician III with equivalent training.

Work Environment

• Noise: Laboratory and production/manufacturing environments may be loud; hearing protection may be required.
• Safety Hazards: Exposure to chemicals such as acids, bases, toxic metals, and solvent fumes; strict adherence to PPE and safety protocols is required.
• Protective Gear: Mandatory use of lab coat, gloves, goggles, and respirators when applicable.
• Respirator fit testing and HAZWOPER training are required. 
• Shift Work: Must be flexible to work assigned shifts or overtime/weekends as required by production schedules.

Physical Requirements

• Standing/Walking: Frequent movement between laboratory and production areas throughout the shift.
• Lifting: Ability to safely lift and move chemical containers weighing up to 50 pounds or drums with proper assistance (force multipliers).
• Dexterity: Manual dexterity necessary for pipetting, titrating, operating analytical instruments, and performing various precise laboratory tasks. 
• Repetitive Motion: Frequent repetitive laboratory tasks such as sample titration and data entry. 
• Vision: Excellent close-up vision and color differentiation required for analytical work.
• Stamina: Must maintain focus and performance throughout extended periods of lab work. 

In addition, all employees of PA&E are expected to:

• Promote teamwork and cooperative effort 
• Maintain a clean, safe, and unobstructed work area 
• Understand and apply appropriate quality improvement processes