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Company: Kelly Services
Location: Troy, MI
Career Level: Entry Level
Industries: Recruitment Agency, Staffing, Job Board

Description

Entry-Level Applied Materials Chemist, Troy Michigan
Department: Materials Engineering – Chemistry; Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm
Job Summary:
This entry-level/early-career role in Applied Materials Chemistry leverages foundational knowledge of chemistry and related industrial processes to support customer, manufacturing, and quality requirements for Cummins products. This position supports the Materials Engineering Chemistry needs across various industry segments, focusing on the evaluation and characterization of non-metallic materials such as coatings, elastomers, plastics, adhesives, sealants, oils, greases, and friction materials for heavy-duty and military axle applications.
The role works closely with the Senior Coatings Specialist and Analytical Chemist, assisting with laboratory operations, materials testing, instrumentation maintenance, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the operation, maintenance, and calibration of lab instruments and equipment related to coatings and non-metallic material testing.
  • Support Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) evaluations and deliver timely and accurate testing results to internal stakeholders.
  • Receive and document incoming material samples, including photographing, labeling, and logging in Windchill (Technical Request/Testing Request).
  • Conduct materials testing specifications, standards, and customer requirements (ASTM, ISO, CDBS-specific standards).
  • Perform corrosion testing, data collection, and result analysis.
  • Carry out proper disposal of tested materials according to Windchill TR disposition procedures.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and organization of chemistry and coatings/corrosion laboratories. Follow and uphold all relevant safety procedures and lab protocols.
  • Complete and stay current on required Coatings Training Matrix modules.
Technical Competencies & Skills:
  • Problem Solving: Identify root causes and assist in implementing corrective and preventive actions.
  • Decision Making: Exercise sound judgment to support timely and effective decision-making.
  • Communication: Clearly convey technical and non-technical information tailored to different audiences.
  • Collaboration: Maintain strong working relationships with engineering, manufacturing, and support personnel; foster a collaborative team environment.
  • Accountability: Deliver consistent results and demonstrate integrity and professionalism in all work.
Preferred (but not required) Experience:
  • Hands-on experience with laboratory instruments such as:
    • Salt spray and cyclic corrosion chambers
    • TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis)
    • DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry)
    • DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis)
    • ED-XRF (Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence)
    • FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)
    • ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry)
    • KF Titrator, Viscometer, Instron mechanical tester
  • Knowledge of paints, coatings, plating processes
  • Understanding of non-metallic material properties (plastics, elastomers, adhesives, etc.) Familiarity with environmental and materials testing procedures
  • Experience with audits (internal or external)
Work Environment:
  • Laboratory-based role with a focus on materials testing and analysis.
  • Requires wearing appropriate PPE and adhering to safety and cleanliness protocols.


As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it's the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.


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