Analytical Chemist

At Pentair, you will work along-side passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our purpose into practice, helping people sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions to industrial water management and everything in between, our 9,750 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help improve lives and the environment around the world.

We have an opportunity for an Analytical Chemist to join our Apex, NC team. You will be a part of our teams in Apex that are focused on sustainable enjoyment of water through design of pool pad products.We work on a wide range of IoT based product lines that help make pool maintenance and upkeep easy and effortless for our customers through advanced sensor technology. Our site houses a state-of-the-art test lab for design testing and validation, and we work hand in hand with our manufacturing counterparts across North America to bring products to life.

You will:

• Design, develop, and validate new chemical sensor technologies (e.g., ion-selective electrodes, optical sensors) for real-time water quality monitoring.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to evaluate sensor performance for parameters such as calcium hardness, pH, chlorine, and other critical pool and water quality indicators.
• Collaborate with engineering and product development teams to integrate novel chemistries into robust, manufacturable sensor platforms.
• Analyze sensor response data, optimize calibration protocols, and troubleshoot issues related to selectivity, sensitivity, and stability.
• Drive innovation projects from concept through prototyping and scale-up, supporting Pentair's roadmap for next-generation water quality analysis solutions.
• Evaluate and benchmark emerging sensor technologies and materials (e.g., from SensaCore, Zimmer Peacock) for potential application in Pentair products.
• Support intellectual property development through invention disclosures and technical documentation.
• Partner with electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to ensure seamless sensor integration and data acquisition.
• Work with quality, regulatory, and manufacturing teams to ensure new sensors meet all relevant standards and customer requirements.
• Provide technical expertise and training to internal stakeholders on sensor chemistry and water analysis best practices.
• Maintain awareness of advancements in analytical chemistry, water quality standards, and sensor technologies.
• Propose and implement improvements to laboratory methods, safety protocols, and data analysis workflows.

Key Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in analytical method development, preferably with a focus on electrochemical or optical sensors for water analysis.
• Demonstrated success in product development or applied research environments.
• Experience with sensor calibration, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Strong laboratory skills in analytical chemistry and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in statistical data analysis and interpretation of sensor performance metrics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with intellectual property processes and technical documentation.

Compensation:

For this full-time position working at this location, the anticipated annualized base pay range will be from $82300 - $152000 / year. At Pentair, it is not typical for an individual to be hired near the bottom or top of the pay range. Pentair considers various factors in determining actual compensation for this position at the expected location. Actual compensation will be commensurate with demonstrable level of experience and training, pertinent education including licensure and certifications, work location, and other relevant business or organizational needs. This position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as, annual incentive bonus.

Benefits:

As a Pentair employee, you would enjoy a wide array of benefit options to help keep you and your family healthy and protected, health benefits, a generous 401(k), employee stock purchase program, disability benefits, life insurance, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, parental leave, caregiver leave, tuition reimbursement, plus paid time off and wellness programs to encourage a healthy work/life balance.

Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day.