Analytical Chemist

Actalent; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Analytical Chemist in Milwaukee, WI to operate ICP, ICP-MS, and ICP-OES for testing raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products. The role involves cross-functional collaboration, maintaining electronic records in a LIMS, and contributing to SOP development.

The position offers a first-shift, fully onsite schedule with a strong team culture and opportunities to learn new instrumentation as the lab grows.

Qualifications

• Operate, calibrate, and perform basic setup of ICP analytical instrumentation.
• Perform routine testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods with ICP, ICP-MS, or ICP-OES.
• Troubleshoot analytical instruments at base level to resolve common issues.
• Collaborate with chemists to select appropriate tests for each sample type.
• Support R&D, Operations, QA with analytical data and instrument usage.

Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, and set up ICP systems (ICP, ICP-MS, ICP-OES).
• Run tests on raw materials, in-process samples, finished products.
• Troubleshoot instruments to resolve typical issues.
• Collaborate with R&D/QA to select tests for samples.
• Document data in LIMS and maintain SOPs.

Skills

ICP instrumentation operation

Troubleshooting

Analytical chemistry

LIMS documentation

SOP writing

Data integrity

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Team communication

Tools

ICP

ICP-MS

ICP-OES

HPLC

LC-MS

GC

GC-MS

AA instrumentation

Job description

Job Title: Analytical Chemist

Job Description

The Analytical Chemist operates and supports a range of analytical instrumentation, with a primary focus on ICP systems, to test raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products. This role collaborates closely with other chemists and cross‑functional teams, maintains accurate laboratory documentation in electronic systems, and contributes to the development and review of standard operating procedures. The position offers exposure to a wide variety of elements and specialty chemicals, including semiconductor‑related materials, and provides clear opportunities for career growth within a strong, supportive analytical group.

Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, and perform basic setup of ICP analytical instrumentation, including ICP, ICP-MS, or ICP-OES systems.
• Run analytical instruments for routine testing of raw materials, in-process checks, and finished goods to ensure quality and compliance with laboratory standards.
• Perform base-level troubleshooting on analytical instruments to resolve routine issues and maintain smooth laboratory operations.
• Collaborate with other chemists to confirm appropriate tests are selected and performed for each sample type.
• Support R&D, Operations, Quality Assurance, and other internal groups by performing analytical testing and providing accurate data using laboratory instrumentation.
• Write and review standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed to support laboratory processes and ensure consistent testing practices.
• Document all laboratory data accurately and promptly in the designated electronic system (LIMS) in accordance with internal data integrity requirements.
• Clean and maintain laboratory working areas on a daily basis to uphold safety, organization, and good laboratory practices.
• Interact with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, operations, and QA, to address testing needs, resolve issues, and communicate analytical results.
• Contribute to a collaborative, tight‑knit team culture by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues, and participating in continuous improvement of laboratory practices.

Essential Skills

• Hands‑on experience operating ICP instrumentation, such as ICP, ICP‑MS, or ICP‑OES, including routine setup and calibration.
• Ability to perform base‑level troubleshooting on analytical instruments to address common operational issues.
• Background in analytical chemistry with practical laboratory experience in chemical testing and analysis.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment performing quality control or analytical testing on raw materials, in‑process samples, or finished products.
• Proficiency in documenting laboratory data in electronic systems, such as a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Knowledge of wet chemistry techniques and general laboratory practices.
• Ability to follow and contribute to SOPs, ensuring adherence to standardized methods and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in sample handling, data recording, and instrument operation.
• Effective communication skills to work with chemists, R&D, operations, and QA teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with gas chromatography (GC) and related techniques such as GC‑MS.
• Experience with liquid chromatography (LC), including HPLC and LC‑MS.
• Familiarity with atomic absorption (AA) instrumentation and methods.
• Exposure to quality control environments and procedures for chemical testing.
• Interest in learning method development and working with new instrumentation as the analytical lab expands.
• Ability to work with a broad range of chemical elements and specialty chemicals, including those used in semiconductor applications.
• Desire for professional growth within an analytical group that offers structured career progression for chemists.

Work Environment

The role is primarily based in the analytical laboratory, with some work in adjacent office areas for data entry and documentation. The position involves regular interaction with R&D, operations, and QA teams to support testing needs and address issues as they arise. The work is performed on a first shift schedule, Monday through Friday, averaging approximately 40 to 45 hours per week. Start times are flexible, generally between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., providing a standard yet adaptable workday. The laboratory environment focuses on a wide range of chemical elements and specialty chemicals, including semiconductor‑related materials, and uses advanced instrumentation such as ICP, ICP‑MS, ICP‑OES, HPLC, LC, LC‑MS, GC, GC‑MS, and atomic absorption systems. The team culture is strong and tight‑knit, emphasizing collaboration, support, and professional development, with ongoing investment in new instruments and opportunities to learn method development as the lab continues to grow.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Milwaukee, WI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $38.46/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 Milwaukee, WI.

Application Deadline

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

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Milwaukee,WI.

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.