Analytical Chemist

Actalent; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Analytical Chemist in Livonia, MI to support a growing lab team. You will perform analytical testing, wet chemistry, and technical service activities for metal coatings, working alongside experienced professionals to master internal processes and customer expectations.

You will operate HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, and related equipment, document results, and contribute to method development while maintaining safety, quality, and efficiency in a modern lab environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry is required.
• At least 2 years of laboratory experience with wet chemistry.
• Proficiency in pH, viscosity, titrations and related analyses.
• Strong math skills and accurate data documentation.
• Ability to follow safety procedures for sample handling and disposal.
• Good communication to support internal and customer testing needs.
• Interest in analytical chemistry and method development.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily analytical testing per customer requirements.
• Conduct wet chemistry analyses and parameter measurements.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation (HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF).
• Record results in Excel and upload to cloud-based system.
• Provide technical support to sales and service teams.
• Develop and validate test methods for materials and finished products.
• Investigate new tests and improve laboratory capabilities.
• Maintain calibration and cleanliness of lab equipment.
• Adhere to safety regulations and proper sample handling.

Skills

Wet chemistry techniques

Analytical testing

Data documentation

Safety compliance

Professional communication

Method development

Customer support

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

UV-VIS

ICP

AA

XRF

Leica 3D Microscope

Cloud-based LIMS / data upload

Job description

Job Title: Analytical Chemist

Job Description

This Analytical Chemist role supports a growing laboratory team by performing analytical testing, wet chemistry, and technical service activities for metal coatings and finishing applications. During the training period, you will work closely with experienced lab professionals to learn internal processes, testing requirements, customer expectations, and industry-specific methods. You will contribute directly to customer projects, help maintain high-quality laboratory standards, and support both analytical and technical service functions in a modern, expanding lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily analytical testing based on customer requirements, including work for automotive, Tier 1, and OEM customers.
• Conduct wet chemistry analyses using techniques such as pH measurement, viscosity testing, titrations, and related analytical procedures.
• Operate and support laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, Leica 3D Microscope, environmental salt chambers, and corrosion chambers.
• Record test results accurately in Excel spreadsheets and upload data into the companys cloud-based system.
• Provide technical support to sales and technical service representatives for internal needs and customer projects.
• Support customer projects by helping to set up testing procedures and ensuring proper analytical methods are followed.
• Develop, validate, and improve test methods for raw materials and finished products using titrations, HPLC, IC, and other analytical methods.
• Investigate and implement new tests, methods, instrumentation, and procedures when needed to enhance laboratory capabilities.
• Maintain laboratory equipment by supporting routine maintenance and calibration schedules.
• Follow industry standards, safety regulations, and proper procedures for handling and disposing of test samples.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the chemical laboratories and pilot line.
• Collaborate with and support other lab team members as needed and complete additional technical service-related tasks assigned by leadership.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry; a degree in Biochemistry or a closely related field may also be considered.
• 02 years of laboratory experience, including hands‑on wet chemistry experience gained through academic work, internships, or industry roles.
• Proficiency with wet and analytical chemistry techniques such as pH testing, viscosity testing, titrations, and related analytical procedures.
• Strong math skills and the ability to accurately document test results and calculations.
• Ability to follow safety regulations and proper procedures for sample handling, storage, and disposal.
• Professional communication skills with the ability to support internal team members and customer‑related testing needs.
• Interest in analytical chemistry and laboratory‑based work, including routine testing and method development.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with HPLC, IC, UV‑VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, torque testing, corrosion chambers, salt chambers, or microscopy.
• Experience working with cloud‑based laboratory information systems or uploading test data into shared digital systems.
• Exposure to metal coatings, metal finishing, corrosion testing, automotive, Tier 1, or OEM customer environments.
• Ability to improve existing analysis procedures and contribute to the development of more efficient or accurate test methods.
• Familiarity with Excel for recording, organizing, and analyzing laboratory data.
• Interest in working in a smaller‑company environment where long‑term tenure and loyalty are valued and rewarded with ongoing opportunities, annual increases, and bonuses.

Work Environment

You will work in a state‑of‑the‑art laboratory that is actively expanding and equipped with modern analytical instrumentation, including HPLC, UV‑VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, Leica 3D microscopy, environmental salt chambers, corrosion chambers, and facilities for a wide range of wet chemistry techniques such as pH, viscosity, and titrations. Analytical and R&D functions are co‑located on site, alongside a pilot‑scale lab that supports development and scale‑up activities. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing a consistent daytime work pattern. The environment offers the feel of a smaller company with strong employee tenure, collaborative relationships, and a culture that rewards long‑term commitment and contributions. Laboratory work requires adherence to safety procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment, and maintaining a clean, organized, and professional workspace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Livonia, MI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Livonia, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Livonia,MI.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.