Analytical Chemist

Job Title: Analytical Chemist

Job Description

The Analytical Chemist supports a collaborative laboratory team by performing analytical testing, wet chemistry, and technical service activities for metal coatings and finishing applications. During the training period, you work closely with experienced lab staff to learn internal processes, testing requirements, customer expectations, and industry-specific methods, becoming a key contributor to both routine testing and customer-focused technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily analytical testing based on customer requirements for Tier 1 and OEM customers, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Apply wet chemistry techniques, including pH measurements, viscosity testing, titrations, and related analytical procedures to evaluate raw materials and finished products.
• Operate and support laboratory instrumentation such as HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, Leica 3D Microscope, environmental salt chambers, and corrosion chambers.
• Record test results accurately in Excel spreadsheets and upload data into the company's cloud-based system to maintain reliable laboratory records.
• Provide technical support to sales representatives and technical service representatives for internal projects and customer-related testing needs.
• Support customer projects by helping set up testing procedures and ensuring that appropriate analysis methods are followed and documented.
• Develop, validate, and improve test methods for raw materials and finished products using titrations, HPLC, IC, and other analytical methods.
• Investigate and implement new tests, methods, instrumentation, and procedures when needed to enhance laboratory capabilities.
• Maintain laboratory equipment by supporting preventive maintenance and calibration schedules to ensure accurate and consistent performance.
• Follow industry standards, safety regulations, and proper procedures for handling and disposing of test samples to maintain a safe work environment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the chemical laboratories and pilot line to support efficient and safe operations.
• Collaborate with and support other lab team members as needed, completing additional technical service-related tasks assigned by leadership.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry; a degree in biochemistry may be considered as a secondary option.
• 0-2 years of laboratory experience, including hands-on wet chemistry experience gained through academic work, internships, or industry roles.
• Comfort and proficiency with wet and analytical chemistry techniques such as pH testing, viscosity testing, titrations, and related analysis procedures.
• Strong math skills and the ability to accurately document test results and observations.
• Ability to follow safety regulations and proper procedures for sample handling and disposal.
• Professional communication skills with the ability to support internal team members and customer-related testing needs.
• Experience working in a chemistry or wet chemistry laboratory environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating HPLC, IC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, torque testing equipment, corrosion chambers, salt chambers, or microscopy tools.
• Experience working with cloud-based laboratory information systems or uploading test data into shared digital systems.
• Exposure to metal coatings, metal finishing, corrosion testing, automotive, Tier 1, or OEM customer environments.
• Ability to improve existing analysis procedures and develop more efficient or more accurate test methods.
• Interest in surface finishing chemicals and related industrial applications.
• Interest in ongoing learning and collaboration with research universities and organizations.

Work Environment

This role is based in a chemical laboratory environment focused on surface finishing and metal coatings, operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You work with a range of advanced analytical instruments, including HPLC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, Leica 3D microscopes, environmental salt chambers, corrosion chambers, and equipment used for wet chemistry techniques such as pH, viscosity, and titrations. The organization has a long history in surface finishing chemicals and emphasizes technological advancement, continuous improvement, and strong collaboration between research facilities and educational institutions. The laboratory culture reflects a smaller-company feel where long-term employee tenure is common, loyalty is recognized, and employees are supported through training, development, and performance-based rewards. Safety, adherence to industry standards, and proper handling of chemicals and samples are central to daily operations, and employees are encouraged to grow their technical skills and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of laboratory methods and capabilities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Livonia, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/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 Livonia,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.