Chemist II

LACO Industries; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 78,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in chemical manufacturing is seeking a chemist to conduct research and develop formulations for inks and paints. This entry-level position involves hands-on lab work, project management, and collaboration with various teams to support product lines. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and have experience in product development.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in ink, paint, or coatings development.
• Experience with lab equipment and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to troubleshoot chemical-related production issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development for ink and paint formulations.
• Collaborate with sales and product management for product development.
• Manage development projects and maintain detailed records.

Skills

Research

Analysis

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university

Tools

Mixers

Hot plates

Microscopes

Ovens

Environmental cabinets

Viscometers

pH meters

Color spectrophotometers

Moisture balances

Microsoft Office Suite

MS Project

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by LACO Industries. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$78,000.00/yr - $85,000.00/yr

Job Summary

The chemist independently conducts research, analysis, and experimentation to develop ink, paint, and other chemical product formulations. This is a hands-on position with significant time spent at the lab bench, along with administrative duties related to product development. The role also involves interaction with personnel in quality control, manufacturing, product management, and sales to support existing product lines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and invent new products aligned with company goals.
2. Collaborate with sales and product management to develop products that meet cost, performance, and color requirements.
3. Manage development projects by establishing timelines, communicating progress, and maintaining detailed records.
4. Gain comprehensive knowledge of new product uses and applications.
5. Troubleshoot chemical-related production issues with plant supervisory personnel.
6. Scale up new products to production size with manufacturing team.
7. Research and respond to customer technical questions.
8. Develop formulas, processes, and methods to solve technical problems.
9. Analyze organic and inorganic compounds for chemical and physical properties.
10. Conduct research to develop and improve products.
11. Prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, and tests.
12. Maintain up-to-date lab notebooks detailing project work.
13. Prepare reports, technical papers, and deliver presentations as needed.
14. Conduct technical training for internal and external customers.
15. Perform other duties as required.

Education

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university preferred.

Experience

2–4 years of experience in ink, paint, or coatings development.

Technical/Computer Skills

Experience with lab equipment such as mixers, hot plates, microscopes, ovens, environmental cabinets, viscometers, pH meters, color spectrophotometers, and moisture balances. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with MS Project is desirable.

Environmental/Physical Factors

This position involves work in both office and manufacturing environments, with routine exposure to hazardous materials requiring proper safeguards, procedures, and PPE.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Research, Analysis, IT
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing