Chemist

Colgate-Palmolive; Cambridge (OH); On-site; USD 52,800 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) matching

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive in Cambridge, OH is seeking a Chemist to ensure quality across raw materials, in‑process batches, and finished goods. The role analyzes test data, reviews process capabilities, and supports product release within SAP, reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager.

You will lead troubleshooting, calibration, and documentation, uphold Process Safety Management, and collaborate with engineering on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or related field.
• Foundational analytical chemistry testing knowledge and SOP experience.
• Ability to document results clearly and maintain notebooks.

Responsibilities

• Perform physical, chemical, and microbiological tests on materials and products.
• Review batch records and monitor process controls in SAP.
• Support product release or hold decisions within SAP.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

SOPs

Documentation

Laboratory testing

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Tools

SAP

SAP EAM

Job description

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Cambridge, Ohio, United States

Role Summary

The Chemist ensures the highest quality standards of household consumer products by performing precise analytical, physical, and microbiological testing on raw materials, in‑process batches, and finished goods. Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager, the role operates within a dynamic manufacturing environment to review test data, trend process capabilities, and execute critical product release or hold transactions within SAP. The Chemist serves as a key technical resource for the plant, driving root‑cause investigations for nonconformances and collaborating with engineering to support Process Safety Management (PSM) policies, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Execute Quality Control Testing: Perform physical, chemical, and microbiological evaluations of raw materials, in‑process samples, and finished products in strict accordance with the Quality Plan and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to determine material disposition.
• Manage Plant Monitoring & Compliance: Conduct control point monitoring by preparing and swabbing samples across the manufacturing facility and outgoing transportation tankers; compile and review Antibacterial Batch Release Records to ensure total documentation accuracy.
• Drive Inventory Dispositions & SAP Transactions: Execute timely product release or hold notifications within the Colgate distribution system and process mandatory inventory transactions utilizing SAP software.
• Lead Technical Troubleshooting & Calibration: Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation to ensure continuous operational readiness; maintain meticulous, up‑to‑date, and legally compliant laboratory notebooks and records.
• Support Process Safety Management (PSM): Operate PSM‑covered processes safely, author maintenance notifications in SAP EAM, assist engineering teams during Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), and review operating procedures annually.
• Resolve Nonconformances & Support Continuous Improvement: Partner with cross‑functional facility teams to investigate manufacturing nonconformance issues, identify definitive root causes, implement corrective actions, and coordinate sample logistics for stability testing.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Technical Skills: Proven knowledge of foundational analytical chemistry testing, laboratory standard operating procedures, and experience managing production batch records or technical paperwork.
• Physical & Sensory Capabilities: Documented ability to distinguish odors and differentiate colors to successfully execute sensory appearance testing; ability to stand for 8 to 12 hours per shift, climb ladders/stairs, and lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Software Proficiency: Competency utilizing standard word processing and spreadsheet software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Suite).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of practical experience working within an analytical laboratory environment.
• Systems Exposure: Experience executing transactions within SAP or SAP EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) modules.
• Industry Experience: Background working within a fast‑paced Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or regulated chemical manufacturing facility.
• Core Competencies: Strong organizational, multi‑tasking, and time‑management skills with a demonstrated desire to master new laboratory methodologies.

Physical Requirements & Shift Schedule

• Shift Structure: This position transitions to a 12‑hour, rotating night shift schedule (4 days on / 4 days off, PM shift) following completion of the initial onboarding and training period. Candidates must maintain flexibility to work weekends and mandatory overtime as production needs dictate.
• Environment: Regular requirements include standing for extended durations (8–12 hours), stooping, bending, crawling, reaching, ascending/descending ladders or stairs, and lifting, moving, or carrying boxes, totes, and bags weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Safety: Must consistently wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $52,800.00 – $80,000.00 USD. Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit‑sharing, and long‑term incentives for Executive‑level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays. Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities.