Application and Corrosion Testing Specialist (BASF-Chemetall)
Now Hiring! Application and Corrosion Testing Specialist (ECT-Chemetall)
Come create chemistry with us!
BASF/Chemetall, is the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, and a leading supplier of applied surface treatments worldwide. At BASF/Chemetall, we develop and manufacture tailor-made technology and system solutions for applied surface technology. Our products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and treatment, prepare parts optimally for the painting process and ensure excellent coating adhesion. Our technologies and products are used in a variety of industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing and metal forming.
The chemical treatment of metal surfaces is BASF/Chemetall core competence. The focus of our worldwide activities is on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for surface treatment.
We are looking for a Application and Corrosion Testing Specialist to join our Technical Service team in Jackson, MI.
This position will work in a team environment under the supervision of the Team Leader Corrosion testing to operate and maintain applications processing equipment at the BMT site located in Jackson, MI. The position will involve occasional travel to customer site and other BASF/Chemetall site for work and/or training. When not engaged in these activities, the position will support work in the BMT Physical Testing Lab as part of their corrosion testing specialist responsibilities.
During your shift as a Application and Corrosion Testing Specialist (ECT-Chemetall), you will
- Applications and Technical Service: Run laboratory evaluations for customers’ Technical Service projects in collaboration with the New Providence, NJ laboratory.
- Support Pretreatment Application and Aluminum Finishing projects, including customer trials and Design of Experiments (DOE).
- Perform preventative maintenance on pilot plant equipment.
- Provide input on experimental settings for line simulations and develop optimum operating parameters for Chemetall/BASF products.
- Set up and conduct surface analysis testing, including SEM, Portaspec, and Rigaku XRF instruments.
- Provide troubleshooting assistance at customer sites and deliver presentations as needed.
- Document results in the appropriate database.
- Support customer training and line audits.
- Corrosion Testing: Prepare and organize corrosion testing projects, ensuring compliance with documented test procedures.
- Handle samples and perform analyses according to established methods and instructions.
- Maintain supplies and inventory logs for all physical testing requirements.
- Participate in proficiency studies to ensure quality and reliability of test results.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives within laboratory and quality activities.
- Review technical documents and provide input as requested.
- Professional Development: Attends industry seminars and in-house seminars to keep current with new technologies.
- Continuously upgrade technical skills by working in the laboratories and consulting with other technical personnel, staying abreast of technical developments in the field, reading technical journals and learning new methods of analysis.
- Work in the field with BASF/Chemetall sales force at customers to deepen and broaden knowledge of the products and applications
- Polishes written and verbal communication skills.
- Assists Sales or Application Engineers at customer’s locations periodically.
If you have...
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum of 3 years of professional lab experience.
- Hands-on experience with laboratory testing, surface analysis techniques, and corrosion evaluation.
- Familiarity with SEM, XRF, and other analytical instruments.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to troubleshoot and communicate effectively with customers.
- Knowledge of pretreatment and aluminum finishing processes is a plus.
- Travel: up to 10%
- Physical Requirements:
- Includes sitting, walking, standing, alternate sit/stand and viewing monitor.
- Simple grasping frequently, power grasping, fine manipulation with hands, pushing and pulling with hands, reaching above shoulder level.
- Lifting and carrying up to 50lbs.
Create your own chemistry with you@BASF
At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
Just some of the many benefits we offer include:
- Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
- Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
- Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
- Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
- Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
- Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
- Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
- Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
- Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!
About us
As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!
At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.
Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF
Privacy statement
BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact Careers.NorthAmerica@basf.com to report fraud.
Equal employment opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
A unique total offer: you@BASF
At BASF you get more than just compensation. Our total offer includes a wide range of elements you need to be your best in every stage of your life. That’s what we call you@BASF. Click here to learn more.
A unique total offer: you@BASF
At BASF you get more than just compensation. Our total offer includes a wide range of elements you need to be your best in every stage of your life. That’s what we call you@BASF. Click here to learn more.

At BASF, we believe that people are the key to our long-term success and that talent is in everyone.
We thrive on giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfil personal ambitions…that’s how we create chemistry. #belongatBASF
Your application
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Contact us
You have questions about your application or on how to apply in Europe? The BASF Talent Acquisition Europe team is glad to assist you.
Please note that we do not return paper applications including folders. Please submit copies only and no original documents.
Jackson, MI, US, 49201
Nearest Major Market: Jackson Michigan
Nearest Secondary Market: Ann Arbor