Senior Plastics Lab Engineer: Masterbatch & Color Science

Actalent; Carol Stream (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 59,000; 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

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a hands-on Plastics Laboratory Specialist to support product development, testing, and process improvement in a plastics compounding and materials development environment. The role involves working directly with materials, operating processing equipment, conducting tests, and solving polymer-related technical challenges.

You will develop masterbatch formulations, perform color measurements, and analyze data to drive quality improvements and product performance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience in a plastics lab, compounding, or related manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience with pigment and additive masterbatch formulation and processing.
• Strong understanding of color science, dispersion technology, and polymer performance testing.
• Experience operating extrusion or compounding equipment.
• Ability to analyze technical data and communicate findings effectively.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate pigment and additive masterbatch formulations.
• Operate extrusion, compounding, and other plastics processing equipment.
• Perform color measurements, dispersion analysis, and polymer performance testing.
• Conduct laboratory experiments and document results with accuracy.
• Analyze material performance and benchmark products against competitive materials.
• Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues to improve product quality and consistency.
• Generate technical data and reports to support product development and commercial initiatives.
• Assist in building, organizing, and improving laboratory processes and capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide technical insights and product recommendations.

Skills

Masterbatch formulation

Color science

Dispersion technology

Polymer performance testing

Troubleshooting

Tools

Extrusion equipment

Job description

Actalent is seeking a hands-on Plastics Laboratory Specialist to support product development, testing, and process improvement in a plastics compounding and materials development environment. The role involves working directly with materials, operating processing equipment, conducting tests, and solving polymer-related technical challenges.

You will develop masterbatch formulations, perform color measurements, and analyze data to drive quality improvements and product performance.