Performance Testing Chemist

Midland, TX · On-site

About this role

JOB TITLE: Performance Testing Chemist
DEPARTMENT: Technology
REPORTS TO: SME Analytical and Performance Testing Manager
 
SUMMARY: The Performance Testing Chemist is responsible for conducting, developing, and interpreting corrosion and scale performance evaluations using RCA (Rotating Cage Autoclave), RCE (Rotating Cylinder Electrode), and DSL (Dynamic Scale Loop) testing platforms. This role supports upstream and midstream oil & gas chemical programs by generating high-quality data that validates product performance, supports field decisions, and optimizes product development of raw materials. The chemist will work closely with technical, R&D, and field operations teams to optimize chemical treatments for corrosion, scale, and asset integrity applications. Additionally, this role may work across multiple product lines including flow assurance, production chemicals, midstream treatments, and pipeline integrity chemicals completing typical performance testing.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • RCA / RCE / DSL Performance Testing
    • Perform corrosion inhibitor testing using:
      • RCA – high-pressure/high-temperature corrosion and erosion-corrosion evaluations by weight loss and pitting analysis.
      • RCE – electrochemical corrosion rate testing, LPR, EIS, and weight-loss studies.
    • Perform scale inhibitor testing using:
      • DSL testing to evaluate scale inhibition performance under controlled temperature, pressure, and shear environments.
    • Prepare brines, crude blends, scaling mixtures, and corrosion coupons according to test design requirements.
    • Maintain test equipment (RCA vessels, RCE assemblies, DSL pumps and reactors) and ensure proper calibration, pressure testing, and safety compliance.
    • Interpret corrosion and scale data, including rates, morphology, deposition characteristics, and chemical performance trends.
  • Analytical & Instrumentation Work
    • Use analytical tools to support test interpretation such as:
      • ICP, IC, FTIR, XRF, XRD, titration systems or supported by Analytical Lab
      • LPR potentiostats, conductivity meters, pH probes, viscometers
    • Perform solids characterization, scale composition determination, and corrosion product analysis.
    • Validate and document test precision, repeatability, and method reliability.
  • Technical Support
    • Support customers, technical, sales and manufacturing with data-driven recommendations for corrosion and scale inhibitor selection.
    • Provide technical interpretation for field trials, customer troubleshooting, and product optimization, as needed.
    • Prepare detailed technical reports, test summaries, and customer-facing performance presentations, as needed.
    • Collaborate with field personnel to align laboratory testing with real operational conditions.
  • Method Development & Continuous Improvement
    • Develop or improve test protocols for RCA, RCE, and DSL based on evolving field needs.
    • Benchmark internal performance against competitive products and industry standards.
    • Evaluate new equipment, materials, and test automation to enhance lab capabilities.
  • Safety & Quality Assurance
    • Follow all laboratory safety, high-pressure operations, and chemical handling protocols.
    • Work in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
    • Follow all tenets of the Responsible Care Management System and the Quality, Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security Policy for Dorf Ketal.
    • Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
    • Participate in audits, SOP updates, and method validation exercises.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Education:
    • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related science or engineering discipline
  • Experience/Skills:
    • Required:
      • 3 – 7 years of oil and gas upstream and midstream experience in field and laboratory.
      • Familiarity with corrosion mechanisms, water chemistry, and scale mineralogy.
      • Good understanding of corrosion, scale and other chemical related applications in OFC treating and applications.
    • Preferred:
      • Hands-on experience with RCA, RCE, DSL, or related HPHT corrosion/scale equipment.
  • Physical Requirements:
    • Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
Must be able to lift 70 pounds and safely handle laboratory equipment.

Company at a glance

DK Energy Services (DKES) is a leading provider of innovative chemical solutions and services to the North American oil and gas industry.

DKES is a subsidiary of Dorf Ketal Chemicals, LLC, a Dorf Ketal company. Dorf Ketal is the largest India-based manufacturer of and global leader in formulation-based specialty chemicals used in the treatment of refineries, retail fuels, petrochemical plants, and ancillary units throughout the world.

We serve more than 120 super-major, mid-major, independent, and small/local oil and gas customers. We service the Conventional/Unconventional Oil & Gas Production, Heavy Oil & Enhanced Oil Recovery, and Pipeline markets with plans to expand into Stimulation.

When our customers need solutions, we take action! In North America, we have more than 200 industry experts at four blending plants and 31 distribution sites serving Texas, New Mexico, California, and Utah in the United States as well as Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces in Canada. And we are committed to expanding our presence in North American basins and shales to meet customer growth demands.

Dorf Ketal holds more than 300 patents, including 50 U.S. patents, allowing us to develop solutions for our customers’ most difficult technical challenges, add value, and deliver reliable results.

Team Size201-500 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryOil and Gas
Location
Midland, Texas, United States

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