Quality Control Chemist
Job Description
The Quality Control Chemist works in a heavy manufacturing environment, serving as a key link between research and development and production. This role focuses on testing raw materials, intermediates, and finished products from multiple reactors, making data-driven adjustments, and ensuring products meet quality specifications. The chemist also supports quality improvement initiatives and covers quality control technician responsibilities as needed.
PAY - $28/hour
Responsibilities
Act as an intermediary between research and development and production teams for new plant introductions and product scale-ups.
Cover all Quality Control Technician responsibilities during shift absences to ensure continuous laboratory support.
Collect samples from the production floor, including materials from multiple reactors manufacturing a wide range of products.
Perform comprehensive testing on batches, including raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, following established procedures and specifications.
Use mathematical calculations to determine appropriate adjustments to samples and batches to meet quality standards.
Approve batches for filtration and subsequent processing based on test results and established criteria.
Work safely with oils, solvents, and other chemicals while following laboratory and plant safety protocols.
Maintain accurate, detailed records of all tests, results, and batch adjustments in laboratory systems and documentation.
Manage analytical instrumentation, including routine checks, basic troubleshooting, and coordination of maintenance as needed.
Monitor and maintain laboratory stock of reagents, consumables, and supplies to support continuous operations.
Contribute to and participate in quality improvement initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing processes and product consistency.
Collaborate with production, R&D, and other internal teams to communicate test results, quality issues, and recommendations.
Operate in a fast-paced, multitasking environment while meeting deadlines and production schedules.
Follow and support quality control standards and practices, including ISO and related quality systems as applicable.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a science-related field.
Foundational laboratory experience from academic studies or industry, including handling chemicals and performing analytical tests.
Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations for batch adjustments and data analysis.
Computer literacy, including familiarity with operating systems and basic office productivity software.
Ability to learn and use proprietary software; experience with SAP is a plus.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with production, R&D, and quality teams.
Ability to work as a self-starter in a fast-paced, multitasking manufacturing environment.
Comfort working with oils, solvents, and other chemical materials in a laboratory and plant setting.
Attention to detail and strong record-keeping skills for documenting test results and batch information.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Previous industry laboratory experience in chemistry, polymers, coatings, or related fields is highly valued.
Experience in quality control or analytical testing in a manufacturing environment is beneficial.
Familiarity with ISO or similar quality management systems.
Exposure to raw material testing, polymer chemistry, or paint and resin applications is an advantage.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and safety.
Willingness to take on varied tasks and responsibilities within the department as needed.
Work Environment
This role is based in a heavy manufacturing facility that produces resins and polymers used in paint coatings for vehicles. The laboratory is located on the second floor, separate from the production floor, but the chemist regularly enters the plant to retrieve samples and interact with operations. The environment is industrial and hands-on rather than office-like, and team members often wear many hats and handle some of the more physically demanding or "dirty" aspects of sampling and testing. Work involves regular exposure to oils, solvents, and other chemicals, with appropriate safety procedures and protective equipment. The facility includes a gated parking lot with on-site security. The position follows a swing-shift schedule of 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on a rotating pattern: Week 1 - on Monday and Tuesday, off Wednesday and Thursday, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; Week 2 - off Monday and Tuesday, on Wednesday and Thursday, off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, then repeat. Appropriate laboratory and plant attire, including personal protective equipment, is required in operational areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of EAST SAINT LOUIS, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $28.00/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 EAST SAINT LOUIS,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 16, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
