Quality Control Chemist

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

Job summary

Actalent in Illinois is seeking a Quality Control Chemist to support resin and polymer production in a heavy manufacturing setting. Based in a lab on the second floor, you will sample from the production floor and test batches to ensure compliance with quality standards.

You will operate analytical instruments, maintain records, and collaborate with R&D and production to implement process improvements, while adhering to safety and ISO quality practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science field.
• Laboratory experience from academic or industry settings preferred.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques used in QC testing of materials and products.
• Understanding of ISO quality systems and documentation practices.
• Experience with polymer/paint/resin environments is beneficial.
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations for sample/batch adjustments.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with basic office software.
• Experience with SAP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Act as intermediary between R&D and production for new plant introductions and scale-ups.
• Cover QC Technician responsibilities across shifts to maintain QC support.
• Collect samples from production floor and ensure timely handling of all samples.
• Perform testing on plant batches following QC procedures and methods.
• Calculate adjustments to samples/batches to meet specifications.
• Approve batches for filtration based on testing results and safety standards.
• Test all raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Maintain detailed records of test results and batch data.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment with proper calibration.
• Monitor laboratory stock and supplies for uninterrupted testing.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and projects.
• Communicate test results and issues clearly to cross-functional teams.
• Work safely in lab and plant areas and adhere to procedures.

Skills

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Lab experience

Analytical techniques

ISO knowledge

SAP experience

Strong communication

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

SAP

Analytical instrumentation

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