Careers

We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis.

This includes age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religious persuasion, marital status, political belief, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions.

  • 01

    Analytical Laboratory Manager

    Date posted: October 9, 2026

    P. Kay Metal | Lewiston, Idaho | Full-time | In person

    Pay: $85,000 – $105,000 per year, depending on relevant experience and qualifications.



    About P. Kay Metal

    P. Kay Metal recycles and refines metals and produces alloys for industrial customers. Our Lewiston laboratory analyzes incoming materials, process samples, and finished products to support production decisions and verify product composition and quality.



    Position Summary

    P. Kay Metal is seeking an Analytical Laboratory Manager to lead the daily operation and ongoing improvement of our quality control laboratory in Lewiston, Idaho. You will supervise laboratory personnel and ensure that analytical results are accurate, traceable, and delivered in time to support production and customer requirements. This is a working manager position: you will prepare and analyze samples, troubleshoot instruments, and support complex testing, with a reduced routine sample load that allows time for leadership, data review, training, and laboratory improvement.



    Responsibilities

    • Plan daily laboratory work, assign testing priorities, and balance sample turnaround with analytical quality and staff capacity.
    • Supervise, coach, and develop laboratory technicians; participate in hiring, onboarding, competency assessment, and performance feedback.
    • Prepare and analyze selected raw material, process, and finished metal samples, and provide testing coverage when needed.
    • Oversee ICP-OES, XRF, spark optical emission spectroscopy, and applicable wet chemistry testing; lead troubleshooting and coordinate instrument service.
    • Establish and maintain analytical quality controls, including calibration verification, blanks, duplicates, reference materials, and acceptance criteria; review data before reporting and prevent reporting of unsupported results.
    • Lead method development, verification, and validation as appropriate for the material, concentration range, and intended use, including evaluation of matrix effects, detection limits, precision, and accuracy.
    • Investigate out-of-specification results, failed quality controls, and unusual trends; document root causes and corrective actions with production and quality personnel.
    • Maintain controlled procedures, training records, sample traceability, instrument logs, and complete analytical records in support of the company's ISO 9001 quality management system and applicable requirements.
    • Manage calibration and preventive maintenance schedules, reference standards, reagents, consumables, and laboratory purchasing needs; recommend equipment and resource improvements to management.
    • Promote safe laboratory practices, coordinate with site safety personnel, support audits, and track turnaround, quality control performance, and improvement actions.



    Required Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, analytical chemistry, metallurgy, or a closely related scientific field.
    • At least five years of relevant analytical laboratory experience, including demonstrated responsibility for leading people, training staff, or coordinating laboratory operations.
    • Practical experience with ICP-OES, including sample digestion, calibration, quality control, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
    • Strong understanding of quantitative analysis, method performance, contamination control, and the interpretation of analytical quality control data.
    • Experience writing procedures, reviewing data, investigating analytical problems, and working within a documented quality system.
    • Clear communication, sound judgment, effective organization, and the ability to coach staff and work with production personnel.
    • Proficiency with laboratory software, spreadsheets, and electronic documentation.



    Preferred Qualifications

    • Experience analyzing metals, alloys, recycled materials, or other complex inorganic matrices.
    • Experience with XRF and spark optical emission spectroscopy, and familiarity with ISO 9001 audits and corrective actions.
    • Previous direct supervision of laboratory staff and experience improving an industrial quality control laboratory.



    Work Environment

    This position works in an analytical laboratory and periodically on the production floor in a metals recycling and processing facility. Work may involve acids, metal-containing samples, and exposure to heat, noise, dust, fumes, and hazardous substances, including lead. Employees must follow chemical handling, exposure control, hygiene, waste handling, and personal protective equipment requirements. Duties involve standing, walking, handling samples, and using laboratory equipment. Essential duties may be performed with reasonable accommodation.



    Benefits

    Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 401(k) with company matching; and paid time off, subject to plan eligibility and terms.



    How to Apply

    Apply through www.pkaymetal.com/careers and identify the position you are applying for. Include a resume describing your relevant laboratory experience, instrumentation skills, and education.



    Equal Opportunity

    P. Kay Metal is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations in the hiring process and workplace.

  • 02

    Quality Control Laboratory Technician

    Date posted: October 9, 2026

    P. Kay Metal | Lewiston, Idaho | Full-time | In person

    Pay: $24 – $30 per hour, depending on relevant experience and qualifications. Approximately $49,920 – $62,400 annually at 40 hours per week, before overtime.



    About P. Kay Metal

    P. Kay Metal recycles and refines metals and produces alloys for industrial customers. Our Lewiston laboratory analyzes incoming materials, process samples, and finished products to support production decisions and verify product composition and quality.



    Position Summary

    P. Kay Metal is seeking a Quality Control Laboratory Technician to prepare and analyze raw materials, process samples, and finished metal products at our Lewiston, Idaho facility. Working under the Laboratory Manager's direction, you will follow established methods, perform required quality checks, and maintain accurate records. Your work will help production personnel make timely decisions and ensure that products meet composition specifications.



    Responsibilities

    • Receive, label, log, and organize samples; maintain sample identification and traceability throughout preparation, testing, and storage.
    • Prepare samples using established procedures, including weighing, digestion, dilution, and preparation of solid metal specimens as required.
    • Prepare reagents, calibration standards, and quality control samples accurately and safely.
    • Perform routine testing using ICP-OES, XRF, spark optical emission spectroscopy, and applicable wet chemistry methods after training and authorization.
    • Run and evaluate required blanks, duplicates, reference materials, and calibration checks against established acceptance criteria; promptly notify the Laboratory Manager of failed checks or unusual results.
    • Record instrument output, calculations, observations, and results accurately; submit data for review and communicate sample status and delays.
    • Perform assigned calibration checks, routine instrument care, cleaning, and preventive maintenance; document issues and assist with troubleshooting.
    • Maintain clean, organized work areas, monitor supplies, and follow procedures for sample retention, chemical storage, and laboratory waste handling.
    • Follow controlled procedures and safety requirements; assist with investigations, method trials, and audits under the Laboratory Manager's direction.



    Required Qualifications

    • Associate degree or higher in chemistry, chemical laboratory technology, or a closely related scientific field, including coursework and practical laboratory training in chemistry.
    • Ability to follow written procedures, perform basic laboratory calculations, weigh and measure accurately, and maintain complete records.
    • Careful attention to detail, reliable work habits, and willingness to ask questions and report problems promptly.
    • Ability to handle chemicals and samples safely, use required protective equipment, and complete assigned safety and technical training.
    • Basic proficiency with computers, spreadsheets, and data entry, and effective communication with coworkers.



    Preferred Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related scientific field.
    • One to three years of laboratory experience in manufacturing, metals, environmental testing, or another analytical setting.
    • Experience with sample digestion, ICP-OES, XRF, spark optical emission spectroscopy, or wet chemistry testing.
    • Familiarity with laboratory quality controls, documented quality systems, and metal or alloy analysis.



    Training and Development

    Training will cover P. Kay's sample preparation procedures, instruments, quality control requirements, and safety practices. Testing duties will be assigned according to demonstrated competency. Candidates with strong laboratory fundamentals are encouraged to apply even if they have not used every instrument listed.



    Work Environment

    This position works in an analytical laboratory and periodically on the production floor in a metals recycling and processing facility. Work may involve acids, metal-containing samples, and exposure to heat, noise, dust, fumes, and hazardous substances, including lead. Employees must follow chemical handling, exposure control, hygiene, waste handling, and personal protective equipment requirements. Duties involve standing, walking, handling samples, and using laboratory equipment. Essential duties may be performed with reasonable accommodation.



    Benefits

    Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; a 401(k) with company matching; and paid time off, subject to plan eligibility and terms.



    How to Apply

    Apply through www.pkaymetal.com/careers and identify the position you are applying for. Include a resume describing your relevant laboratory experience, instrumentation skills, and education.



    Equal Opportunity

    P. Kay Metal is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations in the hiring process and workplace.

  • 03

    Maintenance Technician

    Job Summary
    The Maintenance Technician will follow scheduled work and maintenance on all manners of equipment and machinery in departments by the direction of the Maintenance and Engineering Manager.

    Hourly | Non-Exempt | $27-$35/hour


    Duties & Responsibilities:

    • Must have a solid ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics and blue prints.

    • Trouble shoot, disassemble & rebuild defective equipment as well as replace defective parts, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, etc.

    • Knowledge of pneumatics, pump systems, hydraulics, electrical, etc.

    • Make modifications to improve efficiency and reliability of equipment and its systems.

    • Must be able to use milling machines and lathes.

    • Proficient in metal working/fabrication and welding.

    • Maintains equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer’s instructions, manuals and guide lines.



    Specifications/Qualifications:

    • Education – High School diploma or equivalent, and/or Technical Certificate, equivalent job experience will be considered.

    • Heavy Industry

  • 04

    Operator

    Duties/Specifications/Qualifications

    • Operate Forklift

    • Assist with Load and unloading of Rotary Furnace

    • Weighing & Reporting weights in and out

    • Practicing safe operations

    • Able to lift 60 pounds

    • Must pass pre-employment physical and drug test

    • Standing

    • Walking

    • Observing

    • Crushing metal

    Open 24/7. Shift not guaranteed. Starting pay $21.75/hour

Applicant Information

01/08

Previous Employment

02/08
Job 01

Education

03/08

References

04/08

Please list three professional references.

Ref 01
Ref 02
Ref 03

Skills Training

05/08

Work Availability

06/08

Disclaimer & Signature

07/08

Background Research Release

08/08

Please read this section carefully and acknowledge your understanding by signing your name in the space below.

I certify that all the statements made by me on this application for employment are true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge.

  1. Consent to Conduct Background Investigation

    As a condition of and in consideration for P. Kay Metal’s consideration of this application, I give permission to P. Kay Metal to investigate my personal and employment history. I understand that this background investigation will include, but not be limited to, verification of all information on this application, as well as interviews with past employers. I further give permission to P. Kay Metal to conduct this investigation and to discuss the results of this investigation in connection with my application for employment.

  2. Consent to Contact Past Employers

    I give permission to P. Kay Metal to contact all employers listed in this application (except those specifically excluded) for references. I further give permission to all current or previous employers and/or managers or supervisors to discuss my relevant personal and employment history with P. Kay Metal, consent to the release of such information orally or in writing, and hereby release them from all liability and agree not to sue them for defamation or other claims based upon any statements they make to any representative of P. Kay Metal.

    I further waive all rights I may have under state law to receive a copy of any written statement provided by any of my former employers to P. Kay Metal. I further agree to indemnify all past employers for any liability they may incur because of their reliance upon this release.

  3. Consent to Contact Government Agencies

    I give permission to any agent, attorney or representative of P. Kay Metal to receive a copy of any information obtained in the file of any federal, state or local court, governmental agency, law enforcement agency or investigator concerning or relating to me. I further consent to the release of such information and waive any right under state law concerning notification of the request for a release of such information.

    In the even a state law does not provide for prospective employers to have access to information, I hereby delegate P. Kay Metal as my agent for receipt of information. I understand that the scope of this investigation will be limited to criminal and/or civil records that relate to my honesty, integrity and/or abilities.

  4. Cooperation With Investigation

    I agree to fully cooperate in P. Kay Metal’s background investigation, and to sign any waivers or releases that may be necessary to obtain access to relevant information. In the event that any former employer or federal, state or local governmental agency will not release reference information or criminal history information directly to the employer, I agree to personally request such information to the extent permitted by law.

  5. Falsification Statement

    I understand that any falsification or willful omission of fact made in this application or in connection with any background investigation may be sufficient grounds for rejection of this application, or, if discovered after an offer of employment, for immediate dismissal.

  6. Employment “At Will”

    In consideration of my employment, I agree to conform to the rules and regulations of P. Kay Metal, and my employment and compensation is “at will” in that they can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either P. Kay Metal or myself, except as otherwise provided by law.

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