At MPC, we’re committed to being a great place to work – one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.
Job Summary
The Marathon Los Angeles Refinery located in Carson, California is seeking an experienced Chemist to conduct comprehensive chemical analysis of water, petroleum, gasoline, solvents and other compounds to identify elements or determine quantities contained by the use of standard tests and procedures.
The available schedules for the position are 9/80, 5/40 or 4/1, after hours calls are required. Core business are 8 AM - 5 PM.
Key Responsibilities
Conducts comprehensive chemical analysis of water, petroleum, gasoline, solvents and other compounds to identify elements or determine quantities contained by the use of standard tests and procedures.
Ensures the laboratory’s operations adhere to the elements of good lab practice and applicable standards of quality control and quality assurance.
Records and analyzes the results obtained, assembles and summarizes data, issues Certificate of Analysis (COAs) to external and internal customers.
Recommends procedures to eliminate, solve or correct unfavorable conditions found as a result of analysis.
Conducts troubleshooting and develops corrective actions to mitigate unfavorable conditions found as a result of analysis and is knowledgeable on instruments in the lab and able to maintain equipment functionality.
Verifies questionable tests by ensuring proper procedure was applied, checking the equipment and chemical solutions used, and recommending corrections as needed.
Keeps abreast of the latest developments and changes in testing methods, equipment and techniques used in the chemical field.
Becomes acquainted with the latest type of machines handling electronic type analysis, operates such machines and trains others in their operation and takes care of the maintenance and outlines special techniques to be used for their operation.
Writes and reviews Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); Develops training technicians and ensures compliance with MPC Lab Training Standards.
Acts as a liaison between the laboratory and other stakeholders in the company.
Other Responsibilities
Ensures proper method setup and adequate management systems for the analysis of water, petroleum, solvents, and other process related streams per standard reference or MPC developed methods
Compiles and summarizes data in report form for management and/or customers’ use.
Recommends procedures to eliminate, address, or improve upon the quality of results of analysis.
Maintains proficiency with test methods to conduct verification that tests conducted by technicians/testers are accurate.
Conducts self-audits to ensure adherence to MPC and regulatory standards.
Implements and tracks to completion corrective action recommendations stemming from audits and investigations
Selects and ensures adequate inventory of SQC materials and calibration solutions, consistent with test method requirements
May guide the activities of less experienced chemists, when assigned to special projects and train them accordingly
Keeps informed of the latest developments and changes in testing methods, equipment, and techniques used in the industry
Maintenance management systems: Oversees and/or conducts instrument maintenance and calibration and maintains inventory of spare parts and service contracts.
Develops lab technicians/Testers toward continuous improvement in troubleshooting and resolving instrument issues
May fill in for Laboratory Foreman or Laboratory Supervisor during vacation, other absences, or temporary assignment.
Supports laboratory testing and other duties to ensure they are performed safely per company standards.
Monitors and investigates Statistical Quality Control data to ensure quality and regulatory compliance.
Administers Interlaboratory Cross Check Programs and investigates outlier deficiencies as determined by the program statistics
Interfaces with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and develops skills around the administration and maintenance of LIMS infrastructure
Develops lab procedures and assumes SME responsibility for various global lab SOPs used across sites
Adheres to the Management of Change requirements for control labs
Supports compliant with DOT regulations as required for sample shipments where applicable
Serves as the lab representative for site area teams and works in a collaborative manner to solve problems
Provides technical support to ensure laboratory complies with ASTM D6299 laboratory quality control requirements such as, but not limited to, monitoring statistical quality control (SQC) charts, investigating statistical deviations in control data, determination of SQC samples, and validation of instrumentation.
Train other lab personnel on laboratory test methods.
Maintain data logbooks, calibration records, and maintenance logs in accordance to set Quality Assurance procedures.
Troubleshoot, maintain, and verify laboratory instrumentation.
Provides analytical support to internal and external clients.
Ensure compliance to regulatory/PBMS standards (EPA, CARB, AZCBG, etc…) in assigned area.
Oversee testing performed by hourly personnel in assigned area.
Monitors test results for compliance with product and operating specifications.
Participate in audits and drive resolution to audit findings.
Perform technical non-routine investigations, tasks, or experiments as required.
Actively participates in departmental safety program. Sets example for safety awareness.
Works with operations and provides technical assistance to identify, investigate, and resolve process discrepancies.
Properly packs and ships hazardous material to outside labs per DOT and IATA Hazardous Shipping requirements.
Implement ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
Prepares detailed report and presentations as required by management.
Support off-hours duties like plant shutdowns and routine on-call support.
Coordinates, analyzes, and reports proficiency testing program data for the site
Education, Experience and Skills
Minimum Qualifications
Must have a Chemistry, Bio-Chemistry or Biology Bachelor’s Degree to include 16 hours of college-level chemistry classes and 6 hours of Lab courses.
Must have at least two (2) years or more of chemical analysis and refinery, manufacturing or third party laboratory experience. Must have basic understanding of the composition, properties, reactions, and structures of chemical substances.
Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions. Must be able to work with mathematical concepts and solve practical problems.
Must be a team player working cohesively toward a common goal. Must be able to communicate with a wide variety of audiences including management and external vendors. Must be adaptable and be able to respond to changing business requirements and priorities.
Must be proficient in Microsoft: Word, Excel and Outlook. Must be able to use a personal computer required, including familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, email and database applications.
Must be proficient in LIMS software.
Must be able to wear appropriate PPE in the lab, be able to physically perform all tasks in the field and take hair drug test and physical.
Must have a valid driver’s license. (MPC determines valid status.)
Must have steady employment history.
Must be legally authorized to work in the US without the need for future VISA sponsorship.
Travel Requirement is 5% or less.
Must be able to work one of the available schedules for the position are 9/80, 5/40 or 4/1, after hours calls are required. Core business are 8 AM - 5 PM.
Preferred Qualifications
Chemistry Degree is preferred.
Familiar with the oil refining process is preferred.
Familiar with refining analytical methods (physical properties, chromatography, water testing, elemental analysis, and octane numbers) is preferred.
This job will posted through July 8, 2026.
This position belongs to a family of jobs with increasing responsibility, competency and skill level. Actual position title and pay grade will be based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Learn more about Marathon Petroleum’s benefits at https://mympcbenefits.com/
As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.
Location:
Carson, California
Job Requisition ID:
00022727
Pay Min/Max:
$93,000.00 - $160,300.00 Salary
Grade:
10 - 11
Location Address:
2350 E 223rd St
Additional locations:
Wilmington, California
Education:
Bachelors (Required)
Employee Group:
Full time
Employee Subgroup:
Regular
Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at [email protected]. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available at mympcbenefits.com. The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability
We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.
