Milwaukee
Krete Industries is looking for a Chemist with a strong formulation background and experience with chemicals commonly used in the concrete admixture industry such as stearates, surfactants/wetting agents, silanes, and air entrainers. The Chemist will be responsible for ensuring raw materials are vetted, alternatives are sourced, formulations and production steps are optimized, finished goods meet QC criteria, and providing technical support. This role will work closely with the Applications Lab by being involved with testing of concrete and providing feedback for improvements from a chemical perspective. About Krete Industries: Established in 1990 in Brookfield, WI, Krete Industries provides high-quality concrete admixtures and service solutions to the concrete industry. We believe in solving problems, sharing knowledge, and making the highest quality products. We are authentic, thorough, adaptable, and personable in everything we do. Tasks: • Quality control of raw materials and finished goods Specific gravity FTIR analysis Develop and produce new product concepts Other lab-related tasks as required to support teams • Perform, review, edit, and create (when necessary) chemical laboratory procedures and standards, • Create and deliver reports for quality control and R&D purposes, • Identify the composition of chemicals and chemical compounds, • Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment, • Source/vet raw materials and alternatives, • Maintain production batch tickets, certificate of analysis, safety data sheets, and QC Database, • Collaborate with the Applications Lab and Production teams to lead new product development initiatives from concept through scale-up and commercialization Responsibilities: • Maintain product formulas, improving/optimizing current or creating new ones as needed, • Maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, • Perform quality control activities, • Formulate products and provide input on scaling production feasibility, • Improve efficiency and efficacy of laboratory procedures, • Work with production to ensure correct batching operations on products and troubleshoot as necessary, • Provide technical support (internal and external) when needed Skills: • Computer (Microsoft Office, Google Calendar, Slack, Fishbowl, general), • Communication and presentation, • Organizational behavior and time management, • Professional/technical writing, • Data/record keeping practices Resources Provided: • Basic/minimal computer training, • All PPE, • Relevant SOPs for operations/testing Admixture/Chemical Basics ASTM/NCMA testing Lab equipment Safety/OSHA • Necessary laboratory equipment for expected responsibilities and tasks Required Knowledge: • Understanding of chemical blending production, process, and interactions, • Understanding of chemical laboratory equipment/instrumentation and maintenance, • Strong formulation skills, • Strong foundation in wet chemistry procedures, • Working knowledge of chemistry and chemical application, • Experience working in a chemical lab, preferably in product development, • BSc in Chemistry or relevant field Preferred: • Advanced Microsoft Excel user, • Experience with Microsoft Access/maintaining databases, • Understanding of statistics and how to set upper and lower control limits for QC and production, • Experience in Concrete Admixtures, Industrial and Institutional Cleaning, Paints and Coatings, or related industries Compensation: Paid time off (PTO) A 401(k)-retirement plan with company match (available after 1 year)