Development Chemist I

Quaker Houghton; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Development Chemist to enhance and innovate chemical products for the manufacturing sector. In this role, you will collaborate with a diverse team to develop solutions that meet customer needs while ensuring safety and quality standards are upheld. You will engage in hands-on testing, analyze raw materials, and contribute to product improvements that drive efficiency and performance. If you are passionate about chemistry and thrive in a dynamic environment, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact while advancing your career in a supportive and collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or equivalent required.
• Strong analytical and communication skills essential for success.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve chemical products for manufacturing processes.
• Investigate new raw materials to enhance product performance.

Skills

Chemistry knowledge

Analytical thinking

Technical writing

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor Degree in Chemistry

Tools

Word Processing software

Spreadsheet software

Database software

Job description

About Us

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its colleagues and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.

Summary

As a Development Chemist, you will be responsible for executing development assignments, determinations and tests under the supervision of the manager/supervisor or in assistance to a senior level Chemist, in order to contribute to the:

• Development or improvement of products in support of the strategic plan.
• Investigation and utilization of raw materials in newly developed and existing products.
• Resolving of customer related issues.

Project work is performed in cooperation with a variety of internal and external contacts.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation of Chemistry knowledge, perform well in a collaborative team environment, have strong critical thinking skills, be comfortable presenting technical information to a group, and possess strong technical writing skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and improve chemical products used in a variety of manufacturing and mechanical systems in order to enhance processes, safety and quality to meet customer needs and provide solutions to application problems.
• Investigate applicability of new and replacement raw materials to enhance performance and minimize cost.
• Evaluate and incorporate alternate raw materials in existing products.
• Carry out clearly specified tests and determinations to answer questions and address customer problems. Develop and perform customer requested product analysis and testing.
• Determine performance characteristics of competitive products using physical, instrumental and wet analysis techniques.
• Clearly and orderly record all observations and data. Report results in a clear and concise manner to enhance technical exchange. Provide legal and archival documentation for patent applications.
• Develop or improve test methods to enhance R&R, efficiency and field performance predictability.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide technical service and knowledge to customers and sales associates based on the chemist’s current level of expertise. Visit customers when required.
• Provide assistance to manufacturing to improve the quality and efficiency of the manufacturing process.
• Assist manufacturing and the quality assurance lab in solving quality and production problems.
• Comply with safety regulations and make recommendations towards the improvement of safety and environmental concerns.
• Maintain equipment, glassware and workspace to keep them clean and well-functioning. Properly dispose of all laboratory waste. Participate in ensuring good management of laboratory equipment and storage spaces for chemicals and raw materials.
• Follow all ISO quality and environmental standards as provided in the various procedural manuals. Ensure that all laboratory equipment is calibrated and functioning properly.

Education/Experience

This position requires at least a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry or equivalent. Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and think analytically. In addition, must have good prioritization and communication skills (oral and written). Must be involved, careful, precise, a team player, flexible, result/customer-oriented, and take initiative.

Language Ability

A good command of the English language is mandatory. Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software, Spreadsheet software, Internet software, and Database software.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The associate must be able to safely work in a variety of potentially hazardous situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to carefully and precisely manipulate samples, apparatus, and sensitive instruments. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Quaker Houghton is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. Quaker Houghton provides equal employment opportunity for all qualified candidates. Quaker Houghton does not discriminate against any candidate for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, veteran’s status, physical/mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by U.S federal, state, and/or local employment law. Furthermore, Quaker Houghton is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with physical and/or mental disabilities. Applicants with a disability who need assistance applying for a position may email [e-mail].

Salary range: $54,000-$62,000. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Factors when extending an offer include, but are not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.