Formulation Scientist

Job Title: R&D Formulation Scientist
Job Description
The R&D Formulation Scientist will lead the development and optimization of aqueous and oil-based formulations for metal treatment applications, taking products from initial concept through to commercialization. This role enhances the organization's technical capabilities by creating innovative technologies, processes, and products that support strategic markets in metal surface treatment. The position requires strong hands-on laboratory experience, deep understanding of surfactants, lubricants, rust preventatives, and pretreatment chemistry, and the ability to manage multiple projects while solving complex technical problems.
Responsibilities

• Develop new commercial technologies, processes, and products in the field of metal surface treatment, with a focus on aqueous and oil-based formulations.
• Design, plan, and perform lab-scale experiments to evaluate product performance, stability, and suitability for metal treatment applications.
• Analyze chemical samples using appropriate analytical techniques and prepare detailed, accurate technical reports on experimental findings.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, and technical service, to support product development, scale-up, and troubleshooting.
• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with applicable safety and environmental regulations and follow established laboratory best practices.
• Maintain accurate, organized records of experiments, procedures, data, and results using appropriate laboratory software and documentation systems.
• Assist in the validation, documentation, and continuous improvement of product specifications and manufacturing processes.
• Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams and customers regarding product applications, performance, and optimization.
• Contribute to new product development and R&D initiatives related to metalworking fluids, surface cleaning, metal pretreatment, and related chemistries.
• Support problem-solving efforts for existing products, including investigating field issues and recommending formulation or process adjustments.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Material Science, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree in Chemistry, Material Science, or a related discipline preferred for a senior chemist role.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in research and development, chemical formulation, and product development.
• Strong understanding of metalworking fluids, anticorrosive coatings, rust preventatives, and metal pretreatment processes.
• Hands-on formulation experience within metalworking fluid, pretreatment, or industrial cleaner industries.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and equipment, including the use of analytical instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and interpret lab-scale experiments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
• High attention to detail in experimental work, documentation, and data analysis.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for preparing reports and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in industrial water treatment is a plus.
• Experience with surface cleaning and metal pretreatment processes.
• Experience in developing aqueous and oil-based formulations for metal treatment applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize work effectively.
• Comfort working in a small R&D team environment and contributing across multiple projects.
• Familiarity with documenting product specifications and supporting manufacturing process validation.

Work Environment
This role is based in an R&D laboratory environment, working as part of a small team of three R&D professionals. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work involves hands-on laboratory activities with chemical formulations, analytical instrumentation, and metal treatment applications, following strict safety and environmental protocols.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Schaumburg, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $150000.00/yr.
PTO Paid holidays Medical Dental Vision 401K
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Schaumburg,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 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.


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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.



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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.