We’re looking for a Chemist Intern to join our Day & Zimmermann team located in Texarkana, TX. The Munitions Internship Chemist supports laboratory analysis, pyrotechnic production, and safety-compliant operations involving energetic materials under the guidance of experienced professionals. This role provides hands-on experience in chemical testing, data reporting, inventory support, and regulatory compliance while working in a highly controlled, safety-critical environment.
As the Chemist Intern, here’s the work you’ll do:
- Assist in analyzing chemical, pyrotechnic, and explosive samples using established methods; process, document, and accurately report test data results while supporting technical communication as directed.
- Under supervision perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation and test equipment, and support the development and improvement of test methods and procedures by collaborating with team members and referencing technical publications and internal documentation.
- Assist with pyrotechnic and explosive production activities to maintain adequate inventory for internal and external customers, including supporting accurate tracking of raw materials and explosives using SAP or other inventory management systems.
- Assist with mixing pyrotechnic or explosive materials in accordance with SOPs, enforcing compliance with procedural controls, explosive limits, safeguards, and PPE requirements; observe and support operator instruction and monitoring to ensure compliance with SOPs and Technical Data Package (TDP) requirements.
- Support environmental, health, and safety efforts related to hazardous waste handling and documentation, ensuring activities are performed in accordance with Federal, State, and Company requirements while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in all laboratory and production operations.
This role is for you if you have these skills:
- Basic understanding of laboratory safety practices and chemical handling procedures.
- Ability to follow detailed written procedures (SOPs) and work under close supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and documentation.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work in controlled environments involving hazardous materials while adhering to PPE and safety requirements.
- Willingness to learn and work collaboratively in a regulated, safety-critical environment.
And if you have these qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field, with a 3.0 or higher GPA.
- 1 year of previous experience involving laboratory analysis of materials required.
- 1 year of coursework or academic exposure to analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, or energetic materials preferred.
- Junior/Senior college level preferred
- Great attitude and team player.
- Successful completion of background and drug screening process.
Candidates may be required to satisfy additional job-related requirements, including those established and controlled by third parties, as part of the selection process.
In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the salary range for this role is $22/hr - $24/hr. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. (The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements).
To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job, you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks, with or without a reasonable accommodation:
- Visual acuity (e.g., needed to prepare and analyze data, to transcribe documents, to view a computer, to read, to inspect objects, to operate machinery.
- Balancing (e.g. maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching, etc.)
- Stooping (e.g. bending the spine at the waist)
- Reaching (e.g. reaching the arms or legs in any direction)
- Lifting motion or lifting objects more than 15 pounds
- Walking
- Repetitive motion of any part of the body
- Pushing or pulling (e.g. using a part of your body to press against something in a downward or outward direction or in a dragging or hauling motion)
- Manual Dexterity (e.g. picking, pinching, typing, or other working that uses fingers)
- Grasping (e.g. use of hand to apply pressure)
- Climbing (e.g. ascending/descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, pole, etc. using feet and legs and hands/arms to climb)
- Hearing
- Talking
- Capacity to think, concentrate and focus for long periods of time.
- Ability to read complex documents in the English language.
- Capacity to reason and make sound decisions.
- Ability to write complex documents in the English language.
- Capacity to express thoughts orally.
- Ability to wear a mask, respirator, bullet proof vest, or other equipment.
- Ability to regularly perform all job functions at Company’s office or worksite.
- Ability to withstand environmental conditions (e.g. extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, extreme noise, etc.)