Description: We are seeking a Member of Technical Staff (Analytical Chemistry) to join our Materials, Chemistry, and Surfaces team. The successful candidate will lead analytical chemistry projects across multiple techniques, develop new methodologies, and ensure that customer deliverables meet the highest standards of quality and timeliness.

Experience: Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 3-5 years of industrial analytical chemistry experience.

Schedule & Work Environment

• On-site role in Sunnyvale, CA
• Standard schedule with potential for afternoon/evening shift coverage (12:00 pm – 9:00 pm or 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm) to support extended lab operations

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Chemistry or a related field with minimum of five years of industrial ICP-OES or ICP-MS elemental analysis experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in sample preparation, elemental analysis and method development using one or more of:
• • Trace metals analysis
  • ICP Atomic spectroscopy
  • ICP mass spectrometry
• Proven ability to solve complex analytical challenges across a range of techniques
• A quality-first approach to method development and troubleshooting
• Detail-oriented, with excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
• Strong active listening skills with the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work as a team player and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment

Beneficial Qualifications

• Experience or familiarity with industry-relevant analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS/MS, NMR, FT-IR, GPC, and ion chromatography (IC)
• Familiarity with lab quality standards and practices (e.g., ISO 17025, ASTM, GMP)
• Experience supporting tool installation, qualification, and maintenance.

• Experience in customer-facing roles: project scoping, proposal writing, and presentation of results.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a drive to grow business and help customers succeed.
• Strong active listening skills with the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work as a team player and collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment

Roles & Responsibilities

• Owning and ensuring the success of projects across several techniques in the Analytical Chemistry business unit
• Conducting sample preparation including microwave digestion, hotplate acid digestion, acid extraction, and dilution of diverse sample matrices.
• Performing ICP-MS and ICP-OES elemental analysis.
• Interpreting data, compiling findings, and presenting results in clear, customer-facing reports.
• Operating, maintaining and troubleshooting ICP-OES and ICP-MS instruments (Thermo, PerkinElmer, or Agilent).
• Effectively communicating with instrument and chemical suppliers, ordering and tracking of parts and consumables.
• Ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, EPA, or GMP standards
• Developing and validating new analytical methods for diverse applications
• Writing SOPs and work instructions, training and mentoring junior staff, and ensuring project timelines are met.

Why Join Covalent

￰At Covalent, you’ll work alongside world-class scientists and engineers in a dynamic, collaborative environment. We empower our team members to take ownership of their work, innovate constantly, and engage directly with customers, shaping the future of technology.