Production Chemist (3rd Shift Weekends)

Job Title: Production Chemist (3rd Shift Weekends)

Job Description

This role is a hands-on Production Chemist position supporting multi-kilo scale chemical synthesis and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production on 3rd shift weekends. You will train on 1st shift Monday through Friday and then transition to a weekend schedule working four 10-hour shifts from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The position offers the opportunity to grow within both the chemistry and production tracks as the site expands its API manufacturing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform chemical synthesis on a multi-kilo scale and execute all steps in accordance with approved batch records.
• Maintain documentation to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, including accurate recording of material charges and transfers, acknowledging actions as they are performed, and documenting key observations for each operation.
• Set up, operate, monitor, and clean plant equipment such as reactors, centrifuges, filter dryers, shelf dryers, milling equipment, and related production systems.
• Stage raw materials for production, including verifying identification and quantities prior to use.
• Load raw materials into equipment and unload intermediates and finished products from dryers and other processing equipment.
• Follow written procedures, batch records, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Work closely with chemical engineers and other technical staff to produce research and development (R&D) APIs and support scale-up activities.
• Apply wet chemistry techniques and basic chromatography where required in support of production activities.
• Use computer systems, including Microsoft Office and other plant software, to complete production documentation, reports, and communications.
• Write routine reports and correspondence to document production runs, deviations, and observations.
• Communicate effectively in group settings to coordinate tasks, share status updates, and participate in shift handovers.
• Handle chemicals safely using appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and established safety procedures.
• Adhere to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and GMP requirements throughout all production activities.
• Perform manual compounding and blending operations in accordance with batch records and quality standards.
• Support compounding of pharmaceutical products, including weighing, mixing, and blending ingredients.
• Assist with equipment troubleshooting and basic mechanical tasks related to production processes.
• Follow all health, safety, and environmental policies, including proper use of respirators and other protective equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant production area, including participation in routine housekeeping and 5S activities.
• Prioritize and multitask across multiple production activities while adapting to changing priorities and schedules.

Essential Skills

• Ability to perform chemical synthesis on a multi-kilo scale and follow detailed batch records.
• Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) principles.
• Ability to read and interpret batch records, standard operating procedures, and other technical documents.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence in a clear and accurate manner.
• Ability to speak effectively in a group setting to share information and coordinate work.
• Hands-on experience with production equipment such as reactors, centrifuges, filter dryers, shelf dryers, and milling equipment.
• Experience with compounding pharmaceuticals, including manual compounding and blending.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general computer skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and basic math proficiency to support equipment operation, measurements, and calculations.
• Ability and willingness to handle chemicals safely with engineering and safety controls in place.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform moderate physical activity.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (more than 6 hours per day).
• 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.
• Ability to use a respirator in accordance with safety and health guidelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in chemistry or engineering preferred.
• High school diploma considered with relevant industry experience as a chemical operator, batch mixer, or compounder.
• Experience in a production environment such as chemical, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with SAP or similar enterprise resource planning systems is a plus.
• Previous experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing is a plus.
• Experience working with reactors in a manufacturing setting is a plus.
• Experience with chromatography and wet chemistry techniques is beneficial.
• Familiarity with API production, batch record documentation, and transfers is advantageous.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and willingness to learn in a growing production environment.

Work Environment

This position is based in a growing pharmaceutical production facility with a focus on API scale-up and manufacturing. The role operates on 3rd shift from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, working four 10-hour shifts each week. New hires train on 1st shift, Monday through Friday, before transitioning to the weekend schedule. The site has recently received significant investment to expand its production capabilities, including construction to add additional production space. You will work in a small but expanding production area alongside a broader team that includes an R&D laboratory connected to a quality control (QC) lab. The environment is GMP- and GLP-regulated, with routine use of reactors, centrifuges, filter dryers, shelf dryers, milling equipment, and computer systems such as Microsoft Office and potentially SAP. Work involves extended periods of standing, moderate physical activity, and the use of respirators and other personal protective equipment in accordance with safety procedures. The culture supports growth and advancement within both chemistry and production functions as the site continues to expand its presence in the API and CDMO market.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.