Lab Technician - Waste Treatment Operator I
Date: Jul 20, 2026
Location: El Cajon, CA, US
Company: GKN Aerospace Careers
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
Transfers, treats and neutralizes industrial wastewater. Operates all waste treatment equipment to ensure all waste streams are in compliance with established government and company limits at all times. Responsible for maintaining a safe work area and safe work practices.
Job Responsibilities
- Operates and controls all waste treatment processes and equipment by operating computer assisted controls, pumping, mixing, opening and closing valves, scooping, dumping and shoveling and manipulating chemical containers.
- Neutralizes all waste streams generated throughout the Company in accordance with established procedures.
- Ensures that all discharge streams are in compliance with established government and Company limits.
- Plans and regulates the change of hazardous waste bins and containers.
- Assists the laboratory personnel in the process of materials, as required.
- Maintains chemical supplies and inventories.
- Maintains a clean work environment (including assigned storage and cleaning duties) In full compliance with company standards, customer and government regulations.
- Assists in the development and maintenance of a business culture, which supports the Company's overall business objectives and goals, including issues that involve “cost, quality, process, schedule and people”.
- Ensures the company's commitment to maintain a safe workplace and to protect the environment through the establishment and support of Company policy and adherence to various government regulations.
- Fully complies with the "GKN Aerospace, Inc. Policy Statement on Contracting with the United States Government" in all areas of responsibility involving direct and indirect contracting with the United States Government.
- Performs daily preventative maintenance of equipment in adherence with a predefined schedule.
- Performs other duties, tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Job Qualifications
Experience & Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum one year experience in a chemical environment
- Proficiency Microsoft Office Suite
- Have or obtain a Hazwoper Certification
- Must be willing to work in a repetitive production environment with concern for meeting cost, quality and schedule requirements.
Can work as a team player as well as independently is required. - GKN Experience
Mental and Physical Demands
- Basic Math skills
- Good vision with correction
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Withstand loud noise of a machine shop environment
- Must be able to wear air purification respirator (APR) and full chemical protective suit.
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.

Nearest Major Market: San Diego