Compounder (3rd Shift Rotating)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Compounder (3rd Shift Rotating)

Job Description

This role focuses on performing multi-kilogram chemical synthesis in a GMP production environment, supporting active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and R&D manufacturing on a rotating 3rd shift schedule. The Production Chemist sets up, operates, and cleans plant equipment, maintains precise batch documentation, and collaborates closely with chemical engineers to produce high-quality products. This position offers strong growth potential within both chemistry and production tracks in a rapidly expanding facility that is receiving significant capital investment.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical synthesis on a multi-kilo scale by following detailed batch records and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain documentation to meet GMP requirements, including accurate recording of charges and transfers, real-time acknowledgment of actions performed, and thorough documentation of key observations during operations.
• Set up, operate, monitor, and clean plant equipment such as reactors, centrifuges, filter dryers, shelf dryers, milling equipment, and related processing systems.
• Stage raw materials, including verifying identification and quantities, and load raw materials into reactors and other equipment according to batch instructions.
• Unload intermediates and finished products from dryers and other equipment, ensuring correct labeling, handling, and transfer to designated areas.
• Work closely with chemical engineers to produce R&D API and support scale-up activities from development to production.
• Follow GLP and GMP practices to ensure product quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform manual compounding and blending operations, ensuring proper mixing, homogeneity, and adherence to batch specifications.
• Use Microsoft Office and related software to complete electronic documentation, reports, and communications.
• Read and interpret batch records, technical documents, and standard operating procedures, and translate them into accurate, safe execution on the production floor.
• Write routine reports and production-related correspondence, documenting process steps, deviations, and observations as required.
• Communicate effectively in group settings, including shift handovers, team meetings, and interactions with engineering, quality, and production colleagues.
• Handle chemicals safely using established engineering controls, safety equipment, and procedures, including the use of a respirator when required.
• Apply mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot minor equipment issues, perform basic adjustments, and support routine equipment maintenance activities as directed.
• Lift and move materials and equipment (up to 50 pounds) and perform extended periods of standing and moderate physical activity during the shift.
• Prioritize tasks and manage multiple batch activities in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Adhere to all safety, quality, and housekeeping standards to maintain a clean, organized, and compliant production area.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform chemical synthesis and compounding in a production environment, including multi-kilo batch operations.
• Experience reading and executing batch records with strong attention to detail and compliance.
• Familiarity with GMP and GLP practices in chemical, pharmaceutical, or food production settings.
• Hands-on experience or strong aptitude working with production equipment such as reactors, centrifuges, filter dryers, shelf dryers, milling equipment, and related systems.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, including batch records, SOPs, and technical instructions.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence related to production activities.
• Strong verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively in group settings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general computer literacy.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic math proficiency to support production calculations and equipment operation.
• Ability and willingness to handle chemicals safely with engineering and safety controls in place.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform extended periods of standing (greater than 6 hours per day) and moderate physical activity.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize work, and adapt to changing production needs.
• Willingness to undergo annual physical and drug screening as part of ongoing employment requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry or engineering preferred.
• High school diploma accepted with relevant industry experience as a chemical operator, batch mixer, or compounder.
• Experience in a production facility such as chemical, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturing preferred.
• Experience compounding pharmaceuticals and performing manual compounding operations.
• Experience working in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Experience working with reactors in a production setting is a plus.
• SAP experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with API production, batch record documentation, and transfers.
• Experience with chromatography and wet chemistry techniques is beneficial.
• Comfort using Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in a rotating shift or similar schedule.
• Interest in career growth within chemistry, API production, or broader manufacturing operations.

Work Environment

This is a 3rd shift rotating production role with core hours from approximately 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. The schedule rotates across two shift teams and includes working two weekends per month. In a typical rotation, Week 1 includes Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday shifts, while Week 2 includes Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday shifts. New hires train on a first-shift Monday–Friday schedule until fully prepared, then transition to the rotating night shift. The facility operates in a GMP-regulated environment focused on API and R&D production, using equipment such as reactors, centrifuges, filter dryers, shelf dryers, milling equipment, and other processing systems. The production area is currently small but expanding, with construction underway to add space and support increased capacity. The site is receiving significant new funding for production-scale API projects, creating an energetic, growth-oriented atmosphere. The broader operation includes an R&D lab connected to a QC lab, with approximately a few dozen people working in laboratory and production functions. Team members use respirators and other personal protective equipment as required and spend extended periods standing and performing moderate physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and collaboration, with opportunities to advance on both the chemistry and production career paths, and includes a shift differential for 2nd shift once employees convert to permanent status after six months.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Morton Grove, IL.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $30.00/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 Morton Grove,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.