R&D Chemist
Not Disclosed•ContractorOn-site
location_on505, Executive Drive, Willowbrook, DuPage County, Illinois, 60527, United States
About the Role
This R&D Chemist position serves as a vital link between research, development, and quality control within a modern chemical manufacturing environment. The role is designed to support the continuous improvement of product formulations while ensuring rigorous adherence to quality specifications. You will work in a collaborative, process-driven team of 8-10 professionals, engaging in hands-on training and gaining exposure to a diverse range of products. The position offers a clear pathway for long-term career growth, emphasizing a proactive approach to problem-solving and data integrity.
Day in the Life
Your work will center on the precision of analytical testing and the reliability of laboratory operations. You will perform a variety of wet chemistry tests—including pH measurement, viscosity, density, and titrations—on production batches, raw materials, and competitive products to verify they meet established standards. Beyond testing, you will provide technical support to manufacturing by guiding adjustments to batch formulations when specifications are not met. A significant portion of your time will be dedicated to managing laboratory documentation, maintaining sample databases, and preparing certificates of analysis for customers. You will also collaborate with external laboratories for specialized testing and ensure all product labels and information remain compliant with internal standards.
Work Environment
Based in Burr Ridge, IL, this role is situated in a clean, up-to-date laboratory within a chemical manufacturing facility. The environment prioritizes safety, strict adherence to documented procedures, and the consistent use of modern equipment. The team fosters a supportive atmosphere where knowledge sharing and continuous improvement are encouraged. This is a fully onsite, first-shift position (Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) with a standard 40-hour workweek and minimal overtime.
Hiring Process
This is a Contract to Hire opportunity. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis and are anticipated to close on June 6, 2026. Actalent may utilize Artificial Intelligence tools to assist in sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates; however, final hiring decisions are made by the human hiring team.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network of nearly 30,000 consultants and over 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe, we serve many Fortune 500 companies.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the application and interviewing process. For positions in San Francisco, we consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. In Massachusetts, we comply with laws prohibiting the use of lie detector tests as a condition of employment.
Work location
Work model: On-site
505, Executive Drive, Willowbrook, DuPage County, Illinois, 60527, United States
Willowbrook, Illinois
Key Responsibilities
- check_circlePerform analytical testing on production batches, raw materials, and competitive products using methods such as pH, viscosity, and titrations
- check_circleConduct basic analytical and wet chemistry tests to verify products meet established quality and performance specifications
- check_circleManage and maintain the database for samples, production retains, and documentation to ensure accurate records and traceability
- check_circlePrepare certificates of analysis for customers ensuring accuracy and completeness of reported data
- check_circleCalibrate, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and operations equipment according to known standards
- check_circlePrepare sample batches for customers and the sales team ensuring they are produced, labeled, and documented correctly
- check_circlePerform stability testing on laboratory and manufacturing samples to assess product performance over time
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree in Chemistry or 1-2 years related experience
- verifiedBachelor's degree preferred
- verified1+ year R&D or formulation experience in chemical/food manufacturing
- verifiedLaboratory experience in chemistry or quality control
- verifiedHands-on wet chemistry techniques (titration, pH, viscosity, density, solids content, flash point)
- verifiedExperience with laboratory instrument calibration and maintenance
- verifiedExperience with quality control/assurance practices and documentation
- verifiedAbility to perform mathematical calculations (percentages, algebra, geometry)
- verifiedAbility to read safety rules and procedure manuals
- verifiedAbility to write routine reports and correspondence
Nice to Have
Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleMedical, dental, and vision insurancecheck_circleCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurancecheck_circle401(k) Retirement Plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributionscheck_circleVoluntary Life and AD&D insurance for employee and dependentsShort-term and long-term disability insurance
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Chemistry, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Wet Chemistry, Titration, PH Measurement, Viscosity, Density, Solids Content, Flash Point Determination.
Education: Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Chemistry or equivalent experience; Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university preferred.
Frequently asked questions about R&D Chemist at Actalent
What does a R&D Chemist at Actalent do?expand_more
In this R&D Chemist at Actalent role, you will perform analytical testing on production batches, raw materials, and competitive products using methods such as ph, viscosity, and titrations; conduct basic analytical and wet chemistry tests to verify products meet established quality and performance specifications; manage and maintain the database for samples, production retains, and documentation to ensure accurate records and traceability; and prepare certificates of analysis for customers ensuring accuracy and completeness of reported data.
What are the requirements for this R&D Chemist role?expand_more
Actalent is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or 1-2 years related experience; Bachelor's degree preferred; 1+ year R&D or formulation experience in chemical/food manufacturing; Laboratory experience in chemistry or quality control; Hands-on wet chemistry techniques (titration, pH, viscosity, density, solids content, flash point); and Experience with laboratory instrument calibration and maintenance.
Where is the R&D Chemist role at Actalent located?expand_more
R&D Chemist at Actalent is based in 505, Executive Drive, Willowbrook, DuPage County, Illinois, 60527, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this R&D Chemist job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Actalent has listed this R&D Chemist role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this R&D Chemist role?expand_more
R&D Chemist at Actalent typically requires 1–2 years of relevant experience at the entry level level.
What skills do you need for the R&D Chemist role at Actalent?expand_more
Key skills for R&D Chemist at Actalent include Chemistry; Quality Control; Quality Assurance; Wet Chemistry; Titration; PH Measurement; Viscosity; and Density.
What education is required for R&D Chemist at Actalent?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Chemistry or equivalent experience; and Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university preferred.
What category does the R&D Chemist role belong to?expand_more
R&D Chemist at Actalent is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.