Scientist I, Production (Chemistry)

Actalent; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and R

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation / Sick Leave

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Scientist I, Production (Chemistry) in Rockford, IL. This contract role focuses on organic synthesis in a manufacturing setting, with emphasis on process documentation, inventory control, and collaboration with R&D and planning teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Chemistry, 2–3 years of manufacturing experience, and strong technical writing. On-site work, with benefits and ongoing training opportunities in a life sciences context.

Qualifications

• Solid technical writing skills.
• Excellent time management and ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Proven leadership and work direction capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform organic chemistry syntheses in a manufacturing environment.
• Understand and execute written production documents and processes.
• Produce and analyze reagents, components, and finished products.
• Maintain accurate inventory of raw materials, WIP, and finished products using ERP functions.
• Analyze and interpret scientific data using specialized knowledge.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external teams to coordinate resources.
• Recognize and resolve manufacturing problems through appropriate experiments.
• Keep accurate documentation of manufacturing and product development work.
• Critically evaluate and revise process documents to ensure quality manufacturing processes.
• Strive to improve product quality through efficient processes and testing.
• Contribute to department goals and business objectives related to quality and safety.
• Seek additional training and participate in investigative teams as necessary.
• Develop and execute manufacturing schedules in coordination with planning and purchasing teams.
• Participate in problem-solving teams and new product development activities.
• Collaborate with R&D or Manufacturing Sciences as needed.
• Ensure adherence to EH&S guidelines.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Polymer chemistries

Strong writing/technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Master's degree in Organic Chemistry

Job description

Job Title: Scientist I, Production (Chemistry)Job Description

Responsibilities

• Perform organic chemistry syntheses in a manufacturing environment.

• Understand and execute written production documents and processes.

• Produce and analyze reagents, components, and finished products.

• Maintain accurate inventory of raw materials, WIP, and finished products using advanced ERP functions.

• Analyze and interpret scientific data using specialized technical knowledge.

• Communicate effectively with internal and external teams to coordinate resources.

• Recognize and resolve manufacturing problems through appropriate experiments.

• Keep accurate documentation of manufacturing and product development work.

• Critically evaluate and revise process documents to ensure quality manufacturing processes.

• Strive to improve product quality through efficient processes and testing.

• Contribute to department goals and business objectives related to quality and safety.

• Seek additional training and participate in investigative teams as necessary.

• Develop and execute manufacturing schedules in coordination with planning and purchasing teams.

• Participate in problem-solving teams and new product development activities.

• Collaborate with R&D or Manufacturing Sciences as needed.

• Ensure adherence to EH&S guidelines.

Essential Skills

• Solid technical writing skills.

• Excellent time management and ability to work independently.

• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple projects.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities.

• Proven leadership and work direction capabilities.

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 2-3 years of manufacturing experience.

• Master's degree in Organic Chemistry.

• 1-3 years of experience with polymer chemistries.

Work Environment

This role is based in an Organic Synthesis Chemistry/Production Lab located in Rockford, IL. You will work in a lab, office, and production environment, participating in a team-based setting dedicated to manufacturing scientific products for the life sciences industry.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Rockford, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms.

If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rockford,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.