AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Forensic Chemist (Explosive)

AMERICAN SYSTEMS • $108K — $180K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Current DOD Secret security clearance; ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.
  • 10 years of laboratory experience with explosives.
  • Degree in physical or life sciences with 24 semester hours of chemistry.
  • Proficient in Excel/spreadsheets and database management.
  • Ability to communicate technical material to non-technical audiences.
  • Certified examiner in drug chemistry, trace analysis, or explosives chemistry after formal training.
  • Preferred experience within CEXC, WTI, C-IED Team, or related facilities.

Responsibilities

  • Perform chemical analysis on various recovered materials related to explosives and hazardous substances.
  • Differentiate explosive signatures from other contaminants.
  • Assist in profiling and signature analysis based on findings.
  • Conduct analyses using methods like TLC, FTIR, GC/MS, and other advanced techniques.
  • Evaluate samples for proper preparation techniques like liquid-liquid extraction.
  • Implement forensic community’s data quality and reporting standards.
  • Troubleshoot and maintain analytical instruments.
  • Develop and validate new analytical techniques for evolving analysis needs.
  • Collaborate with team members and forensic staff to ensure accurate results.

Benefits

  • Healthcare benefits and paid leave.
  • Retirement plans and insurance programs.
  • Education and training assistance.
  • Employee-owned company with potential for ownership benefits.
Full Job Description

Overview

Are you a Forensic Chemist looking for an exciting opportunity? We are looking for a Forensic Chemist who specializes in explosives to join our team and provide mission-essential support for our nation's War Fighters. 

 

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

Responsibilities

  • Perform chemical analysis of recovered materials to detect and identify compounds present to include: explosives, homemade explosive pre-cursors, solvents, acids, bases, drugs, and other hazardous materials.
  • Differentiate trace explosive signatures from contamination and background.
  • Provide information to assist in profiling and signature analysis.
  • Perform appropriate presumptive and confirmatory analyses utilizing the following: colorimetric tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and other instrumentation or techniques as available.
  • Evaluate samples to determine appropriate sample preparation techniques: solvent extraction/filtration, liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, solid phase micro-extraction, headspace extraction. 
  • Understand, and strive to implement, data quality and reporting guidelines established within the professional forensic community, Properly utilize reference standards (when available) to support the highest degree of confidence available in reported results.
  • Perform instrument troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Develop and validate analytical techniques to accommodate emerging chemical analysis requirements.
  • Interact and collaborate with other group/team members and other forensic staff to ensure a high quality and accurate product.

Qualifications

  • Current DOD Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Ten (10) years of experience working in an accredited laboratory with explosive compounds.
  • Degree from an accredited college or university in physical or life sciences with a minimum of 24 semester hours of chemistry coursework.
  • Proficient in use of excel/spreadsheets and other data bases.
  • Ability to explain technical subject matter to non-technical audience.
  • Completion of formalized training program and subsequent performance as certified examiner within drug chemistry, trace analysis, explosives chemistry or related discipline.
  • Experience working within a CEXC, WTI, C-IED Team, DTK Lab, JEFF, TEDAC facility, other NGIC, DIA or ATF Lab; interagency or state/local law enforcement environment is preferred but not required.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $108,100.00/Yr. - USD $180,600.00/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status

About AMERICAN SYSTEMS

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is a government IT solutions provider. The Company provides solutions in national security, healthcare, and public sector markets. Its services include acquisition and lifecycle support, enterprise IT, healthcare IT, intelligence analysis, and training and simulation. The Company's customers include the Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security. AMERICAN SYSTEMS was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia.
Learn more about AMERICAN SYSTEMS
Size
1,500 employees
Industry
Founded
1975

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