What are the responsibilities and job description for the (On-site) Chemical/Engineering Technician - Department of Defense National Secur position at West Virginia University?
The Department of Defense National Security at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Chemical/Engineering Technician.
About the Opportunity
The Chemical / Engineering Technician will support laboratory, pilot-scale, and early commercial hydrometallurgical operations focused on the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from acid mine drainage (AMD) and related feedstocks. This role is hands-on and critical to day-to-day process execution, data collection, and continuous improvement of REE recovery, separation, and purification processes.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
- Wellness programs
What You'll Do
- Operate and maintain lab-scale and pilot-scale hydrometallurgical equipment (reactors, clarifiers, filters, solvent extraction circuits, precipitation systems).
- Prepare chemical reagents and solutions; conduct controlled leaching, precipitation, and purification experiments.
- Collect, label, and prepare samples for analysis (ICP-OES/MS, titration, pH, conductivity, solids characterization).
- Monitor process parameters (pH, ORP, temperature, flow rates, residence time) and accurately record operational data.
- Support scale-up activities by executing test plans, SOPs, and experimental protocols.
- Assist with troubleshooting process upsets and implementing corrective actions.
- Maintain safe chemical handling practices and ensure EHS compliance.
- Perform routine equipment inspection, cleaning, calibration, and minor maintenance.
- Document results clearly in lab notebooks, databases, and technical reports.
- Always maintain security of data and intellectual property.
- Interface with external customers in a professional manner consistent with WVU policy.
Pay Grade: 17
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Technology / Chemical Engineering Technology or related field plus a minimum of two (2) years of related experience, OR a Master's degree in Chemical Technology / Chemical Engineering Technology or related field plus 0-6 months of related experience.
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Familiarity with aqueous chemistry, acid/base systems, and solid-liquid separation.
- Ability to follow SOPs and work safely with acids, bases, and metal-bearing solutions.
- Strong attention to detail and data integrity.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with critical minerals or mining-related wastewater (AMD).
- Exposure to solvent extraction or precipitation-based metal recovery.
- Experience supporting pilot plants or demonstration-scale systems.
- Basic understanding of mass balance and process flowsheets.
- Basic mechanical skills and ability to work with basic hand tools.
Licenses/Certifications
- Must hold a valid United States Driver's License.
Physical & Work Environment
- Hands-on laboratory and pilot-plant environment.
- Outdoor field work including but not limited to collecting solid and liquid field samples.
- Required to work on-site in Morgantown WV, Monday through Friday, with limited remote workdays with approval from direct supervisor.
- Travel required.
- Use of PPE required.
- Capability to lift up to 50lbs.
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.