Quality Control Chemist

Actalent; Illinois; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

6AM City, LLC seeks a Quality Control Chemist to join a heavy manufacturing setting for resins and polymers used in coatings. The role sits in a lab on the second floor and interfaces with production to sample, test, and validate products and scale-ups.

You will collect samples, perform comprehensive QC tests, maintain meticulous records, and use analytical instruments while following safety and quality procedures. Strong math, communication, and independence are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a science-related field.
• Laboratory experience from academic settings or industry is preferred.
• Knowledge of chemistry and analytical techniques relevant to QC testing.
• Understanding of ISO quality systems and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between R&D and production for new plant introductions and scale-ups.
• Cover QC responsibilities across shifts to maintain quality control support.
• Collect and test samples from production, including multiple reactors and up to 200 products.
• Perform testing on batches and approve for filtration based on results.
• Maintain records of test results and batch data with proper documentation.
• Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
• Monitor lab stock and contribute to continuous quality improvement projects.

Skills

Analytical techniques

Chemistry knowledge

Quality control

SAP

Instrument calibration

Communication

Independent work

Math calculations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field

Laboratory experience

Tools

Analytical instruments

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Quality Control Chemist

Job Description

The Quality Control Chemist works in a heavy manufacturing environment, supporting the production of resins and polymers used in paint coatings. This role is based in a laboratory on the second floor and requires regular interaction with the production floor to obtain and test samples. The chemist serves as a key link between research and development and production, ensuring that new plant introductions and scale-ups meet established quality standards while maintaining accurate testing and documentation for a wide range of products.

Responsibilities

• Act as an intermediary between research and development and production teams for new plant introductions and product scale-ups, ensuring smooth transfer of formulations into manufacturing.
• Cover Quality Control Technician responsibilities and absences across shifts to maintain consistent quality control support.
• Collect samples from the production floor, including materials from multiple reactors manufacturing up to 200 different products, and ensure timely handling of all samples.
• Perform comprehensive testing on batches produced in the plant, following established quality control procedures and methods.
• Use mathematical calculations to determine appropriate adjustments to samples and batches to meet product specifications.
• Approve batches for filtration based on testing results and quality criteria, while working safely with oils, solvents, and other chemical materials.
• Conduct required testing on all raw materials, intermediates, and finished products used or produced in manufacturing.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records of test results, batch data, and product information in accordance with quality and documentation standards.
• Manage and operate analytical instrumentation and laboratory equipment, ensuring proper calibration, maintenance, and readiness for use.
• Monitor and maintain laboratory stock and supplies to support uninterrupted testing and quality control activities.
• Contribute to and participate in quality improvement initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing processes, product consistency, and overall performance.
• Collaborate with production and R&D personnel to communicate test results, quality issues, and recommended adjustments clearly and promptly.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, multitasking environment while adhering to safety and quality procedures in both the lab and plant areas.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a science-related field.
• Laboratory experience from academic settings or industry is preferred, with openness to candidates who are recent graduates.
• Knowledge of chemistry and analytical techniques relevant to quality control testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Understanding of quality control principles and standards, including familiarity with ISO-related practices.
• Experience or exposure to polymer, chemical, or paint/resin environments is beneficial.
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations to adjust samples and batches to meet specifications.
• Computer literacy, including familiarity with operating systems and basic office suite software.
• Experience with proprietary software is a plus, particularly SAP.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with cross-functional teams and document test results clearly.
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced, multitasking environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a quality control laboratory within a manufacturing or chemical production environment.
• Exposure to R&D, raw material evaluation, and analytical chemistry techniques.
• Familiarity with ISO quality systems and related documentation practices.
• Ability to wear multiple hats and handle a variety of laboratory and plant-related tasks, including hands‑on work with samples and equipment.
• Comfort working with oils, solvents, and other chemical materials in a controlled environment.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate records, managing lab stock, and supporting continuous quality improvement projects.
• Adaptability to swing shift schedules and changing production priorities.

Work Environment

This position is based in a heavy manufacturing facility that produces resins and polymers used in paint coatings for vehicles. The quality control laboratory is located on the second floor, separate from the production floor, but the chemist regularly enters plant areas to