QC Chemist

Job Title: QC Chemist

Job Description

The QC Chemist plays a key role in a fast-paced quality control laboratory, performing wet chemistry and physical testing on products such as oils and lubricants. This position offers extensive hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation, strong exposure to wet lab techniques, and close collaboration with a supportive team. It is an excellent opportunity for a new graduate or early-career scientist to build a strong foundation in analytical chemistry and quality control while contributing directly to the consistency and reliability of finished products.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine wet chemistry testing and physical testing on samples, including pH measurements and other analyses for oils, lubricants, and related materials.
• Operate and maintain analytical instruments such as gas chromatography (GC) systems, automated titration equipment, NIR instruments, and Karl Fischer (KF) water testing systems.
• Conduct hooded reflux reactions and other laboratory procedures in accordance with established methods and safety protocols.
• Accurately prepare reagents, standards, and samples for testing, ensuring proper labeling, documentation, and handling.
• Record, analyze, and interpret test results, ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and compliance with quality standards and applicable guidelines, including GMP.
• Collaborate closely with other QC chemists and laboratory staff to coordinate testing priorities and share information on sample status and results.
• Participate in quality control and department-wide collaboration activities on a regular basis, typically 12 times per month.
• Work both independently and as part of a team to meet testing deadlines in a fast-paced environment with a high variety of analyses.
• Troubleshoot basic issues with laboratory tests and equipment, escalating complex problems to staff or leadership as needed.
• Follow all laboratory safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to dress code and lab hygiene standards.
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory processes by providing feedback on methods, workflows, and documentation practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area, ensuring instruments and workspaces are ready for use by the team.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Biology, or another scientific discipline with strong chemistry coursework.
• Hands-on experience working in a chemistry laboratory; academic or school-based lab experience is acceptable.
• Exposure to wet chemistry testing techniques and wet lab procedures.
• Fundamental knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and laboratory best practices.
• Ability to perform precise measurements, follow written procedures, and document results accurately.
• Comfort working independently in the lab while also collaborating effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting with a high volume and variety of testing.
• Willingness and ability to work a rotating 4x10 schedule, including at least one weekend day per week.
• Strong sense of personal accountability, reliability, and follow-through on commitments.
• Basic familiarity with GMP or willingness to learn and follow GMP-related procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with gas chromatography (GC) in an academic or industrial setting.
• Exposure to automated titrations, NIR, and KF water testing instruments.
• Prior experience in a quality control or analytical laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new analytical techniques and instruments quickly.
• Interest in long-term career growth within quality, R&D, marketing, sales, or related functions.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating across departments and documenting test results.
• Motivation to take on increasing responsibility, including potential future leadership or training responsibilities.

Work Environment

This role is based in a 24/7 quality control laboratory that supports a wide range of consumer-oriented products, including personal care, food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods applications. The lab environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and supportive, with a strong team mindset and a culture that values reliability, mutual support, and personal growth. Music often plays in the lab, and team members maintain a friendly, cooperative atmosphere where skills can be trained and developed over time.

The position follows a rotating schedule of four 10-hour shifts per week, providing three days off each week. Shifts rotate approximately every eight weeks, with typical start times around 5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, late afternoon, or 7:00 PM, and every schedule includes one weekend day. Example schedules include early morning, daytime, evening, and overnight shifts to support continuous operations.

Training consists of approximately two weeks working closely with a team lead, followed by progressive development toward full independence in the role over about six months. The lab uses a variety of analytical technologies, including GC systems, automated titration equipment, NIR instruments, KF water testing systems, and setups for hooded reflux reactions.

Dress code requires appropriate lab workwear: a lab coat is provided, and closed-toe shoes, covered ankles, and sleeves that provide adequate coverage are required to support safety in the laboratory. The organization emphasizes professional development and offers significant potential for lateral and vertical growth for individuals who are motivated and perform well.

This is a Contract position based out of Gurnee, IL.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $28.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Gurnee,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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.