Product Development Chemist II

PD Chemist II

The PD Chemist II develops and leads projects to identify and implement new technologies that deliver differentiated performance claims for lubricant, coolant, and grease products. This role champions a zero-incident safety culture by continuously improving laboratory methods and procedures and by rigorously following PPE requirements, safety protocols, and chemical hygiene plans. The PD Chemist II manages and mentors scientists and engineers, fostering technical excellence, strong collaboration, and ongoing professional development within the lab and across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead projects that identify and implement new technologies to enhance performance claims for lubricant, coolant, and grease products.
• Promote and uphold a zero-incident safety culture by improving laboratory methods and procedures and strictly adhering to PPE requirements, safety protocols, and chemical hygiene plans.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment within area of expertise with limited to no guidance, ensuring reliable and accurate test results.
• Manage and mentor scientists, engineers, and other lab personnel, providing technical guidance, feedback, and support for their professional development.
• Instruct colleagues on the use of JDE and the Raw Material Specification Database, and recommend improvements to processes and methodologies.
• Provide cross-functional training and collaboration with Supply Chain, Blending, Marketing, and Distribution teams to support product development and quality initiatives.
• Mentor team members on research approaches, discuss research results and reports, and help refine experimental designs and data interpretation.
• Present data and findings to internal and external customers, supporting both new product lines and existing product portfolios.
• Actively build strong internal relationships across departments by communicating openly and effectively and demonstrating a collaborative, positive attitude.
• Participate in cross-functional internal teams and continuous improvement projects, contributing technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
• Serve as a key contributor to the technology lab and internal/external customers, advancing research with some input from senior technical staff.
• Apply advanced knowledge of key product areas and selected product lines to run and troubleshoot laboratory tests effectively.
• Utilize design of experiments (DOE), data interpretation, and strong time management to plan, execute, and analyze laboratory work.
• Maintain intermediate knowledge of lubricant fundamentals, base oils, additives, lubricant testing, QA, used oil analysis, and condition monitoring, and apply this knowledge in daily work.
• Participate as an active member in relevant industry organizations to stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Periodically travel to other company locations and customer sites to act as a technical resource and support product or technology initiatives.
• Support and reinforce a positive, outgoing, and team-oriented lab culture.

Essential Skills

• B.S. or B.A. degree with emphasis in the sciences, with a preference for a degree in Chemistry.
• 3–10 years of chemistry experience in a laboratory environment.
• Advanced knowledge of key product areas and one to two product line areas related to lubricants, coolants, or greases.
• Demonstrated ability to run and troubleshoot selected laboratory tests independently.
• Proficiency in wet chemistry techniques, including titration and pipetting.
• Experience with quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) practices in a laboratory setting.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory measurements such as viscosity and related physical property testing.
• Intermediate knowledge of lubricant fundamentals, including base oils, additives, lubricant testing, used oil analysis, and condition monitoring, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven ability to design and execute experiments using design of experiments (DOE) principles and to interpret complex data sets.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working in R&D, product development, or technology-focused laboratory environments.
• Active membership in applicable industry organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present technical data and findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset with a positive attitude and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment within area of expertise with minimal guidance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ICP or ICP-MS instrumentation.
• Experience in troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory instruments.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment, as verified by professional references.
• Demonstrated teamwork and communication skills, as verified by professional references.
• Strong multitasking abilities, as verified by professional references.
• Familiarity with JDE and Raw Material Specification Databases or similar enterprise and laboratory systems.
• Experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) or similar digital lab platforms.
• Prior involvement in cross-functional projects beyond core technology or lab responsibilities.
• Experience acting as a technical resource for internal teams or external customers.
• Membership or engagement in professional chemistry, lubricant, or related technical associations.

Work Environment

The PD Chemist II works within a modern, well-equipped laboratory environment that supports product development, quality, and R&D activities. The core team consists of a four-person product development group plus two interns, with approximately twelve technicians and chemists in the lab at any given time across Quality, Product Development, and R&D teams. The culture is outgoing, collaborative, and supportive, with an emphasis on positive attitudes and strong internal partnerships. The lab invests in advanced technology, including LIMS, automated manufacturing lines, and high-end lab space, providing a sophisticated environment for analytical and development work. The role follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility to adjust start times (for example, a 7:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. start) based on mutual agreement. The broader facility offers comfortable employee spaces, including a lounge, entertainment area, and a full kitchen in the break room, reflecting a strong commitment to employee well-being. The position may require periodic travel to other company locations and customer sites to provide technical support and collaboration. Safety is a core value, and the work environment emphasizes strict adherence to PPE requirements, safety protocols, and chemical hygiene plans.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $45.67/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 Minneapolis, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 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