Kris Johnson has been a chemist at Armoloy for close to four years, and just completed his CEF at Sur/Fin earlier this year
Kris JohnsonHe joined the company after graduating from Northern Illinois University’s chemistry program. Johnson began at Armoloy as their lab tech and was promoted in 2021 to a chemist, where he handles all of their chemical testing, some metallurgical testing, and heads up research and development, among other things.
How did you get your start in the finishing and coating industry?
In my junior year of college, I had a lab partner who worked at Armoloy as a lab technician. During downtime for our labs, he would learn about the industry. We would talk about what his job entails and his take on certain subjects in the finishing and coating industry. I became fascinated with his explanation of the process and, in my senior year, applied for a lab position.
What does your job entail?
As a chemist, I have many responsibilities, which entail solution analysis, quality control, troubleshooting, and research and development. Many of the Armoloy locations tests thin dense and hard chrome specifications, which include hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance.
Can you walk us through a typical day for you?
On any given day after arrival at the facility, I would typically start by setting up the instrumentation and samples for the day-day testing. While samples are being tested, I would review published articles for proving experiments in the lab and for R&D purposes. I would also visit other areas of the plating shop to familiarize myself with numerous techniques used outside the lab.
What do you like best about working in the finishing and coating industry?
I was told once I started in this industry that you never stop learning and the solutions to issues are typically moving targets. The challenges I am presented with can be frustrating, but it helps me build on my knowledge that may be beneficial for future use.
Can you describe a particular project you have been involved in that made you most proud?
Armoloy locations typically have multiple non-Armoloy solutions. So, for one of those locations, I provided written work instructions for each tank, implemented analytical solution controls, and taught the employees about the details of the process. Teaching the employees about some troubleshooting and why something needs to be done made me most proud, knowing they use those lessons today.
Why would you recommend to a friend a career in the finishing and coating industry?
If someone enjoys being challenged and not having the same day repeated twice, the finishing and coating industry is a fascinating career to explore. Realizing, especially in recent years, how this industry is evolving is exciting as well, knowing that you can be either a part or the leader of new developments.
What is the toughest part of your job?
The toughest part is updating areas in the plating processes that have been used for years. With the techniques used, some methods can be simplified, and implementing that change can have its challenges.
How do you describe what you do in your job to family and friends and the importance of it?
I explain to them the same way I would a research project in college. I sometimes give too much detail that confuses some. I explain to them as if I was taking a car to the shop. For example, if I take my car to have a part replaced because it’s old, rusted, or performs poorly. Now, imagine instead of replacing that part every 30,000 miles, you do it every 90,000. That’s what Armoloy allows you to do. I test the processes to validate those findings. These coatings prolong the life of parts, so instead of replacing them, you put more coating on them. The coatings I test are in an array of different industries, with a major one being aerospace.
Are you involved in any industry associations or trade groups?
I am an SAE sponsor and former ACS member. I would like to expand my knowledge by joining some of these associations/trade groups for those that have been in the industry longer than I have.
What was the first job you had in your career?
This is the first job I’ve had in my career. I’ve been very grateful for what I’ve learned outside of college.
What type of college, school, or training have you had?
I received a biochemistry degree from Northern Illinois University. During my studies, I participated in chemistry research for three different subjects lasting 2.5 years. I learned the process on the shop floor when I first started at Armoloy.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Knowing how rapidly the industry is changing, I see myself teaching others in the field what I’ve learned and becoming a regular speaker for new R&D work at many conferences, such as Sur Fin. I have an excitement about finding new coatings or improving old ones that tighten the gap on which coating is better and safer.
What is the most humorous day/event you have had in the finishing and coating industry?
Over the past few years, the lab and shops have been very busy. Armoloy Corp made it a priority to relieve some of the day-day stresses, whether it be with lunches, dinners, cakes, or holiday parties. We had a Christmas party that many attended at one of the nearby restaurants. It was a great event because I was able to interact with everyone outside of the work environment.
What was your favorite subject in high school or college?
I have always loved chemistry and physics. My high school chemistry teacher taught me why it was an amazing and challenging subject. Out of the chemistry courses I’ve taken, the most interesting was Inorganic Chemistry.
What motivates you to work hard at your job?
Much like others, I put pride and dedication into my work. There is a large dependence when you are working in a laboratory, and I enjoy others feeling relieved when an issue is resolved. Knowing that I can simplify others’ work and lessen daily stresses is motivation enough for me. I would like to leave my imprint at not just Armoloy but the finishing and coating industry as well.
Tell us about your outside hobbies and interests:
I am a die-hard NFL fan. I made the mistake of joining a few fantasy football leagues with friends, which takes up some of my free time. I also enjoy golfing, frisbee golfing, and obstacle course races.
What three things do you think of the most each workday?
I think of numerous ideas to improve the lab, industry, and lunch. With updates to other labs, I would like to keep my area at the forefront of innovation. There are many articles discussing the improvements to the industry, and I would like to use those findings and introduce our own as well. I’ve been caught forgetting to eat lunch, so now I’ve become a bit of a ‘foodie.’
Who has been the biggest mentor in your career?
I’ve had a few that have made a major impact on my career. During my first couple of years, I spent my days learning under the recently retired Armoloy Lab Director, Bill. He was part of both my interviews at Armoloy and has left a lasting impression on me. He taught me much of what I know today and left me with questions to figure out myself. He worked closely with the COO, Nolan, to help with my career path in this industry and my public speaking. They’ve taught me that in this industry, there are a lot of stones left unturned, and it’s up to me to find them.
