Application Lab Specialist, Jackson MI

Now hiring! Application Lab Specialist  

Location: Jackson, MI

We are looking for an Application Lab Specialist to join our Surventis Surface Treatment (Chemetall) team in Jackson, MI.

New finish, Proven expertise. Bolder ambition.

If you're someone who inspires others, owns their impact, and wants to elevate what they do, you'll fit right in.

Until July 1, our business was part of BASF. As part of the current transition, all job listings and the application process are still hosted on the BASF platform and therefore fully presented in BASF branding. Please do not be confused by this: All roles are positions at Surventis, and your application will be submitted to us.

At Surventis, we go beyond the surface - in everything we do. We put customers at the center, think one step ahead, and develop solutions that create real value and lasting partnerships.  We inspire each other to think further, take ownership of our work, and constantly push to elevate what's possible. If you bring your full self, challenge the obvious answer, and want to grow with a team that means it - this is your place.

A chemical structure is only as strong as the bonds between its molecules. At Surventis, the strength of our bonds lies not just in the chemical but is also mirrored in the links forged between the global companies and employees of the Surventis world. At Surventis, we develop and manufacture tailor-made technology and system solutions for applied surface technology. Our products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and treatment, prepare parts optimally for the painting process, and ensure excellent coating adhesion. Our technologies and products are used in a variety of industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing, and metal forming. The chemical treatment and testing of metal surfaces is a Surventis core competence. The focus of our worldwide activities is on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for surface treatment. We demonstrate uncompromising ethics and appreciation for our employees, as well as respect for the environment. Surventis is a leading specialty chemical company whose quality, innovation, and service exceed the expectations of our customers.

This position will work in a team environment with functional reporting to Team Lead, Regional Application Technology, North America and administrative reporting to Team Lead, Materials Application Testing at Jackson, Michigan site. The position will involve occasional travel to customer sites and other Surventis sites for work and/or training.

As an Application Lab Specialist, you will...

• Run laboratory evaluations for customers’ Application projects in collaboration with the New Providence, NJ laboratory.


• Support Pretreatment Application and Aluminum Finishing projects, including customer trials and Design of Experiments (DOE).


• Perform preventative maintenance on application lab equipment.


• Provide input on experimental settings for line simulations and develop optimum operating parameters for Chemetall products.


• Analytics for bath controls (titrations), coating weights, wet chemistry to maintain bath parameters


• Set up and conduct surface analysis testing, including SEM, Portaspec, and Rigaku XRF instruments.


• Provide troubleshooting assistance at customer sites and deliver presentations as needed.


• Document results in the appropriate database in accordance to required standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025).


• Assist with customer visits at site, support training for customers and conduct line audits as needed.


• Attend industry seminars and in-house seminars to keep current with new technologies


• Continuously upgrade technical skills by working in the laboratories and consulting with other technical personnel, staying abreast of technical developments in the field, reading technical journals and learning new methods of analysis


• Work in the field with Surventis sales force and technical specialists at customers to deepen and broaden knowledge of the products and applications

If you have...

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).


• 0-3 years hands-on experience with laboratory testing, surface analysis techniques.


• Familiarity with SEM, XRF, and other analytical instruments.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Ability to troubleshoot and communicate effectively with customers.


• Knowledge of pretreatment and aluminum finishing processes is a plus.


• Polished written and verbal communication skills

Physical Requirements

• Includes sitting, walking, standing, alternate sit/stand and viewing monitor


• Simple grasping frequently, power grasping, fine manipulation with hands, pushing and pulling with hands, reaching above shoulder level


• Lifting and carrying up to 50lbs


• Travel for this position is approximately 10%

Privacy statement

Surventis takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.