AMERICAN SYSTEMS
Forensic Chemist (Explosive)
Marbury, MD
On-site · Full-time
First seen by offpeak October 6, 2026
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Overview
Are you a Forensic Chemist looking for an exciting opportunity? We are looking for a Forensic Chemist who specializes in explosives to join our team and provide mission-essential support for our nation's War Fighters.
AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.
Responsibilities
- Perform chemical analysis of recovered materials to detect and identify compounds present to include: explosives, homemade explosive pre-cursors, solvents, acids, bases, drugs, and other hazardous materials.
- Differentiate trace explosive signatures from contamination and background.
- Provide information to assist in profiling and signature analysis.
- Perform appropriate presumptive and confirmatory analyses utilizing the following: colorimetric tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and other instrumentation or techniques as available.
- Evaluate samples to determine appropriate sample preparation techniques: solvent extraction/filtration, liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, solid phase micro-extraction, headspace extraction.
- Understand, and strive to implement, data quality and reporting guidelines established within the professional forensic community, Properly utilize reference standards (when available) to support the highest degree of confidence available in reported results.
- Perform instrument troubleshooting and maintenance.
- Develop and validate analytical techniques to accommodate emerging chemical analysis requirements.
- Interact and collaborate with other group/team members and other forensic staff to ensure a high quality and accurate product.
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Qualifications
- Current Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Ten (10) years of experience working in an accredited laboratory with explosive compounds.
- Degree from an accredited college or university in physical or life sciences with a minimum of 24 semester hours of chemistry coursework.
- Proficient in use of excel/spreadsheets and other data bases.
- Ability to explain technical subject matter to non-technical audience.
- Completion of formalized training program and subsequent performance as certified examiner within drug chemistry, trace analysis, explosives chemistry or related discipline.
- Experience working within a CEXC, WTI, C-IED Team, DTK Lab, JEFF, TEDAC facility, other NGIC, DIA or ATF Lab; interagency or state/local law enforcement environment is preferred but not required.