Cosmetics Analytical Chemist (GC/HPLC) – Quality Control

Ignite Human Capital; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus eligibility

Shift differential

Job summary

Ignite Human Capital LLC seeks an Analytical Chemist (GC/HPLC) for its cosmetic QC team in Milwaukee, WI. This 100% onsite, full-time role tests and releases raw materials, bulk, and finished goods using GC/HPLC and related analytics, ensuring compliance and timely product movement.

You will calibrate equipment, develop methods, and maintain complete records while collaborating with production and QA to uphold FDA/GMP standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science.
• 2–4+ years of hands-on HPLC and GC experience in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and self-directed, with good time management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Method validation experience is a plus.
• Background in personal care, cosmetics, OTC, pharma, or consumer products manufacturing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Test and release all materials requiring GC/HPLC analysis, with proper identification and documentation.
• Maintain and calibrate GC/HPLC and other lab equipment, and perform minor repairs as needed.
• Develop, modify, and validate test protocols and analytical methods to meet FDA/GMP requirements.
• Produce and maintain complete, accurate testing records.
• Support routine testing of raw materials, bulk, and filled goods as needed.
• Practice and monitor GMP compliance and safety procedures in the lab and on the floor.
• Contribute ideas to improve lab processes and support other QA/QC areas as needed.

Skills

HPLC experience

GC experience

Analytical skills

English communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science

Job description

Analytical Chemist (GC/HPLC) – Quality Control / Cosmetics

Location: Milwaukee, WI (100% onsite)
Schedule: Second shift / mid-shift
Pay: $25-40/hr, depending on experience, plus shift differential and annual bonus eligibility
Type: Full-time, non-exempt

About the Company
Our client is an established contract manufacturer of personal care and consumer products. It has more than 30 years in business, two U.S. manufacturing facilities, and a product portfolio spanning skin care, cosmetics, household, pet, and medical categories. It makes products for many of the country's most recognized brands. The company has roughly doubled in size over the past four years and was recently acquired by a new investment partner that is putting money into expanding its capabilities and capacity. Through that growth, it has kept the family-oriented, people-first culture it was founded on. Leadership is transparent and accessible, holds regular town halls, and runs company-wide appreciation events. As the business grows, there is real room for employees to grow with it.

The Role
The Analytical Chemist tests and releases raw materials, bulk, and finished goods that require GC/HPLC and other analytical testing. The role sits within the QC team and reports to the QC Manager. It works closely with production and other departments to keep product moving on time and in compliance. It's a hands-on bench role for someone who takes ownership of their instruments, their data, and their documentation.

What You'll Do

• Test and release all materials requiring GC/HPLC analysis, with proper identification and documentation.
• Maintain and calibrate GC/HPLC and other lab equipment, and perform minor repairs as needed.
• Develop, modify, and validate test protocols and analytical methods to meet FDA/GMP requirements.
• Produce and maintain complete, accurate testing records.
• Support routine testing of raw materials, bulk, and filled goods as needed.
• Practice and monitor GMP compliance and safety procedures in the lab and on the floor.
• Contribute ideas to improve lab processes and support other QA/QC areas as needed.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related science.
• 2–4+ years of hands‑on HPLC and GC experience in a GMP‑regulated environment.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.
• Organized, detail‑oriented, and self‑directed, with good time management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Method validation experience is a plus.
• Background in personal care, cosmetics, OTC, pharma, or consumer products manufacturing is a plus.

Work Environment
This is an onsite lab role within a manufacturing plant. It involves exposure to fumes, airborne particles, moving machinery, and elevated noise levels. You must be able to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.