Job Title: Manufacturing Chemist
Job Description
The Manufacturing Chemist synthesizes and manufactures complex organic molecules in a regulated laboratory environment, using established protocols and advanced chromatographic techniques. This role performs HPLC purification and analytical testing, supports commercial-scale manufacturing processes, and ensures all activities comply with GMP, ISO, and Quality Management System requirements. The position offers hands-on experience with complex molecules, regulated systems, and cross-functional collaboration in a safety-driven, process-focused culture.
Responsibilities
Synthesize and manufacture complex organic molecules by following established synthetic organic chemistry protocols.
Perform HPLC purification and analytical testing, including instrument setup, method execution, and data analysis.
Execute daily laboratory activities with minimal supervision after completing training.
Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, and Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.
Generate, analyze, and document experimental and manufacturing data to support process and product decisions.
Maintain accurate and compliant records in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP) in GMP and ISO-regulated environments.
Complete inventory management activities, including labeling, tracking, and performing computerized inventory transactions.
Process manufacturing work orders using ERP and/or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
Maintain laboratory equipment, including routine cleaning, basic troubleshooting, and supporting calibration and upkeep activities.
Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), and Manufacturing Engineering teams.
Perform safety and quality inspections as part of an established 6S program and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Adhere to all safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements in all laboratory and manufacturing activities.
Handle chemicals, reagents, and lab equipment safely and responsibly in a manufacturing or regulated lab environment.
Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Essential Skills
Hands-on bench experience synthesizing organic molecules using established synthetic organic chemistry protocols.
Ability to execute chemical reactions safely, accurately, and reproducibly in a manufacturing or regulated laboratory environment.
Experience with purification and analysis using HPLC systems, including Reverse Phase and/or Ion Exchange chromatography.
Ability to prepare samples, run HPLC sequences, and interpret chromatographic data using systems such as Agilent OpenLab and GE AKTA.
Proven ability to follow SOPs and Work Instructions and operate within GMP and ISO-regulated environments.
Strong Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and experience generating and maintaining accurate laboratory and manufacturing records.
Proficiency with standard laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC/UPLC, reactors, rotary evaporators (rotavaps), UV/Vis spectrophotometers, and pH meters.
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology.
0-2 years of hands-on laboratory experience in synthetic chemistry or chemical manufacturing.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
High attention to detail, strong organization skills, and commitment to data integrity.
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs as needed in a laboratory and manufacturing setting.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working in GMP manufacturing environments and familiarity with lean manufacturing principles.
Knowledge of chromatography beyond HPLC, including general chromatographic techniques and purification strategies.
Experience using ERP and/or MES systems to process manufacturing work orders and manage inventory.
Familiarity with laboratory quality systems and QMS processes in a regulated environment.
Background or coursework in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology that supports understanding of complex organic molecules and analytical methods.
Comfort working with 6S or similar continuous improvement and workplace organization programs.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams such as R&D, Quality, EH&S, and Manufacturing Engineering.
Motivation to develop skills in GMP manufacturing, analytical chemistry, and large-scale life sciences processes.
Work Environment
This role is based in an onsite laboratory environment at a corporate headquarters facility. The position follows standard business hours, typically around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility within a 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM window, for a full-time, non-exempt schedule of approximately 40 hours per week. The work environment includes routine use of laboratory instrumentation such as HPLC/UPLC systems, reactors, rotary evaporators, UV/Vis spectrophotometers, pH meters, and chromatography systems including Agilent OpenLab and GE AKTA. The culture is collaborative, safety-driven, and process-focused, emphasizing GMP and ISO compliance, 6S practices, and continuous improvement. Team members work closely with R&D, Quality, EH&S, and Manufacturing Engineering in a highly regulated, quality-oriented setting that supports commercial-scale life sciences manufacturing.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $27.50 - $34.50/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 San Diego,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 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.
