Job Details
Explosives Chemist
Amentum is currently seeking Explosive Chemist in Quantico, VA and Huntsville, AL.
A successful candidate will provide explosives chemistry forensic examination services in support of the TEDAC
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Receive and account for boxes of evidence and related materials from the EMU.
- Visually inspect and process evidence and related materials for bulk or trace explosives evidence; photograph evidence and related materials (as appropriate); remove particles and materials from evidence for further analysis; prepare samples for visual, optical, and / or instrumental examination; examine materials both bulk and trace; and associate samples with other existing submissions (as appropriate).
- Make initial determination of the type of materials suitable for analysis and select appropriate protocols for conducting the examination of the materials.
- Conduct examinations using (stereo) microscopes, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography (GC), with various detectors, Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GC / MS), Liquid Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (LC / MS), Ion Chromatography (IC), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive XRay Analysis (SEM / EDXA), X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), and other scientific instrumentation and techniques as needed.
- Author forensic laboratory notes and supporting documentation.
- Ensure daily performance check of calibration on instruments used for forensic examinations and analysis, as appropriate.
- Use the current database network for evidence inventory, tracking, and flow.
- Maintain proper chain of custody of all forensic material under examination.
- Follow all QA / QC procedures, protocols and adhere to LD policies and procedures related to its accreditation and safety standards.
- Serve as instrument specialists and provide service and maintenance to instrumentation cross several disciplines including the development of new procedures and bringing new instrumentation and methods online for casework.
- Support activities, functions, or duties as they arise.
- Research, develop, and author whitepapers and information papers, as required.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
- One year of recent experience as a Chemist in an accredited laboratory.
- Demonstrated ability to study and pass training, examination, and testing assessments.
- Must successfully complete FBI Laboratory Explosives Chemistry chemist training and be qualified and authorized to conduct casework within six months from date of hire
- Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills
- The above experience should demonstrate the capability to deliver products under conditions of high operational tempo, frequently adjusting priorities and flux in requirements, on time. It should also demonstrate the ability to interface effectively with senior members of external organizations to develop and support technical positions, to justify technical recommendations, and communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoJ Secret security clearance.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, United States military veteran’s status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, medical condition including genetic characteristics or information, veteran status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law.