Chemist

Description

SUMMARY The Polymer Development Chemist will be responsible for providing technical expertise in polymer chemistry processes, supporting day-to-day manufacturing operations, and ensuring efficient, high-quality production. This role involves hands-on troubleshooting, training, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of polymer chemistry, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will also support the generation and review of batch records, technical summary documents to support the timelines of individual projects, and the investigation and documentation of any deviations in production. The scientist drives the implementation of new component systems, part changes, and other process related activities to support ongoing and new projects. This position will also help the production team in implementing manufacturing protocols and performing in-process testing of products. The candidate will follow SOPs and work in compliance with safety, regulatory and quality guidelines. What you will do: - Develop and optimize polymer chemistry processes and chromatography columns conditions to improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality. - Identify and implement process improvements to enhance safety, yield, and cost-effectiveness. - Provide day-to-day troubleshooting support to manufacturing teams to resolve process-related issues in real-time. - Work closely with production operators, engineers, and quality teams to address process deviations and ensure continuous production. - Develop and deliver training programs for manufacturing operators and technicians on polymer chemistry processes (column packing & testing), safety protocols, and equipment operation. - Serve as a subject matter expert for polymer chemistry within the manufacturing team, providing guidance and support as needed. - Collaborate with R&D teams to ensure smooth integration of new processes into manufacturing, providing feedback and recommendations to optimize scalability and manufacturability. - Collect, analyze, and interpret process data to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive data-driven decision-making. - Ensure all processes comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. - Lead or participate in cross-functional teams focused on continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies. - Develop, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, and other process documentation to ensure clarity and accuracy. - Ensure that all documentation meets internal quality standards and regulatory requirements. How will you get here? Education Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or a related field, with a focus on polymer chemistry. Experience - 3 years of experience in process development, manufacturing support, or a related role within a chemical, polymer, or related industry. Academia Ok. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities - Strong understanding of polymer chemistry, manufacturing processes, and equipment. - Excellent problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to troubleshooting. - Proven ability to analyze data and drive continuous improvement initiatives. - Experience in training and developing technical staff. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment. - Knowledge of safety, environmental, and regulatory standards related to chemical manufacturing. - Proficiency in using process modeling and statistical analysis software is a plus.

This is a Contract position based out of Sunnyvale, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 Sunnyvale,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.