About this role
Job Title: R&D ChemistJob DescriptionThe R&D Chemist performs a wide range of laboratory testing and analysis on production batches, raw materials, and competitive products to ensure product quality and compliance with specifications. This role supports manufacturing by providing formulation guidance, maintains laboratory documentation and equipment, prepares customer samples, and collaborates with internal teams and external laboratories. The position offers hands-on training, exposure to a variety of products, and opportunities for career growth in a collaborative environment. Responsibilities • Perform routine and specialized testing on production batches, raw materials, and competitive products, including pH, viscosity, density, solids content, titrations, degree-related measurements, flash point, and other wet chemistry analyses. • Manage and maintain the laboratory database for samples, production retains, and production-related documentation to ensure accurate records and traceability. • Support manufacturing processes by reviewing batch data and providing guidance on adjusting batch formulations when products are not within specifications. • Prepare certificates of analysis for customers upon request, ensuring accuracy and clarity of reported test results. • Calibrate, maintain, and verify laboratory instruments and operations equipment against known standards to ensure reliable performance and data integrity. • Prepare sample batches and formulations for customers and the sales team to support product evaluations, demonstrations, and new business opportunities. • Perform stability testing on laboratory-prepared and manufacturing samples to evaluate product performance over time and under various conditions. • Communicate with outside laboratories to coordinate external testing, share technical information, and ensure timely completion of required analyses. • Serve as a technical resource for confirming correct product labels and ensuring that labeling aligns with product specifications and regulatory requirements. • Read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals to perform work safely and consistently. • Write routine laboratory reports, test summaries, and correspondence to document findings and communicate results to internal stakeholders. • Apply basic mathematical skills, including calculations of discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, and basic algebra and geometry, in support of testing and data analysis. • Follow established quality control and quality assurance procedures and contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory processes. • Work proactively and in an organized, process-driven manner to meet testing deadlines and support production schedules. • Collaborate with a small laboratory team and cross-functional departments to resolve issues, improve formulations, and support product development. Essential Skills • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience; a Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is preferred. • 2–3 years of R&D or formulation experience in a chemical or food manufacturing environment. • Laboratory experience focused on chemistry or quality control, with hands-on exposure to analytical and wet chemistry testing. • Strong knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles and practices. • Ability to perform basic analytical and wet chemistry tests, including titrations and other routine analyses. • Proficiency in reading and interpreting safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. • Ability to write clear, routine reports and correspondence documenting laboratory work and test results. • Competence in calculating figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume, using basic algebra and geometry. • High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy in testing, documentation, and data entry. • Proactive approach to identifying issues, suggesting improvements, and supporting production needs. • Strong organizational skills and a process-driven mindset to manage multiple tests, samples, and documentation efficiently. Additional Skills & Qualifications • Experience working in a chemical manufacturing or food manufacturing facility. • Background in wet chemistry techniques, analysis, and titration methods. • Familiarity with quality control and quality assurance systems, including documentation and record-keeping. • Comfort working with a variety of products and formulations in an R&D or technical support setting. • Ability to collaborate effectively within a team of 8–10 people and work cross-functionally with manufacturing and sales. • Interest in long-term career growth within a collaborative, training-focused environment, even without immediate leadership responsibilities. Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a chemical manufacturing facility that features a very clean, modern, and up-to-date laboratory environment. The laboratory team consists of approximately 8–10 people, fostering close collaboration and hands-on learning. The position operates on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a standard 40-hour workweek and minimal overtime. The setting emphasizes safety, organization, and quality-focused processes, providing access to calibrated laboratory instruments and operational equipment used for a variety of chemical products. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Burr Ridge, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $25.00 - $26.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Burr Ridge,IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 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 [email protected] 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.