3rd Shift - QC Chemist

kdc/one; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3rd shift differential

Job summary

KDC/ONE is seeking an experienced QC Chemist for the 3rd shift to perform chemistries, analytical testing, and batch support in a cosmetics manufacturing environment. You will verify raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods to ensure compliance with specifications and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities include instrument calibration, data documentation, batch adjustments, and investigations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 2 years QC laboratory experience in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, chemical, or related manufacturing environment.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation and wet chemistry preferred.
• Experience in a cGMP environment is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical and analytical testing of raw materials, in-process bulk, finished goods, and manufacturing samples.
• Conduct tests such as pH, viscosity, specific gravity, organoleptic evaluation, color analysis, particle size, and titration methods.
• Operate QC lab instruments (Auto-titrators, TOC analyzers, color analyzers, microscopes, etc.).
• Approve and release finished bulks; support start-up and sampling.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Lab testing

Troubleshooting

Mathematical skills

Communication

MS Office

Teamwork

Time management

Overtime flexibility

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

KDC is a network of best-in-class custom formulators and manufacturers of color cosmetics, skincare, haircare, bath & body, fragrance, deodorant, home, health, industrial, and auto care products. KDC delivers high-touch innovation, operational excellence, and speed to market to well-known and emerging beauty, personal, and specialty companies from coast to coast. KDC has its head office in Longueuil, Québec. In addition, KDC has 10 operating facilities located throughout North America. Altogether, the company employs nearly 4,800 talented and dedicated employees in North America.

Shift Information

This position is assigned to 3rd Shift (overnight) and is eligible for a 3rd Shift Incentive Shift Differential in addition to the base hourly rate.

Job Description

The QC Chemist is responsible for performing chemical, physical, and analytical testing on raw materials, in-process bulk products, finished goods, water systems, and manufacturing samples to ensure compliance with established specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards. This role supports production through analytical testing, batch adjustments, investigations, instrument calibration, and laboratory documentation while maintaining compliance with cGMPs, GLPs, safety standards, and company procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Quality Control Testing

• Perform physical and analytical testing of raw materials, in-process bulk, finished goods, and manufacturing samples.
• Conduct testing including:
  • pH
  • Viscosity
  • Specific Gravity
  • Organoleptic Evaluation
  • Color Analysis
  • Particle Size Analysis
  • Wet Chemistry Methods
  • Titration Methods
• Perform analytical testing utilizing laboratory instrumentation including:
  • Auto-titrators
  • TOC analyzers
  • Color analyzers
  • Particle size analyzers
  • Microscopes
  • Other QC laboratory equipment
• Evaluate manufacturing samples throughout the production process to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Approve and release finished bulk products after successful completion of required testing.
• Evaluate and approve line startup and finished product samples.

Laboratory Support & Compliance

• Prepare laboratory batches and issue batch adjustment recommendations to manufacturing.
• Approve batch adjustments for in-process bulk products.
• Analyze purified water and facility water systems as required.
• Prepare, standardize, and maintain laboratory reagents and solutions.
• Maintain sample retention and storage systems.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and ensure adequate supplies are available for daily operations.
• Ensure all laboratory records, logbooks, and electronic files are complete, accurate, and maintained in compliance with GMP requirements.
• Support consumer complaint investigations and testing activities as required.
• Initiate Out-of-Specification (OOS) investigations when needed.

Equipment Maintenance & Calibration

• Perform routine instrument calibration, verification, and performance checks.
• Troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and analytical methods.
• Ensure laboratory equipment remains functional, properly maintained, and within calibration requirements.
• Coordinate with vendors as necessary to investigate and resolve testing discrepancies or instrument issues.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Participate in process improvement initiatives and laboratory efficiency projects.
• Make recommendations to improve product quality, laboratory operations, safety, and compliance.
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Management.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Safety & Regulatory Responsibilities

• Promote a safe work environment and adhere to all Health, Safety, and Environmental requirements.
• Follow all company policies, cGMP requirements, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), SOPs, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory environment.
• Ensure proper housekeeping and documentation practices are consistently followed.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of Quality Control laboratory experience in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, chemical, or related manufacturing environment.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation, wet chemistry, and laboratory investigations preferred.
• Experience working in a cGMP environment strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing methodologies and instrumentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot analytical equipment.
• Strong mathematical skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, alternative schedules, and additional hours as business needs require.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to sit for extended periods as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Frequent reaching, bending, and handling of laboratory materials and equipment.

Work Environment

• Cosmetic and personal care manufacturing environment.
• Quality Control laboratory setting.
• Moderate noise levels.
• Exposure to manufacturing traffic, including forklifts and material handling equipment.
• Proper laboratory lighting and ventilation.

Quality Policy

KDC/ONE employees are committed to the development, production, and delivery of safe, high-quality personal care products that consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.

Equal Opportunity Employment

KDC-ONE is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. I understand that employment with KDC-ONE Company is at-will, meaning that I or KDC-ONE Company may terminate my employment at any time, or for any reason consistent with applicable state or federal law. I understand that KDC-One requires the successful completion of a drug and/or alcohol test as a condition of employment.