Quality Control Chemist

Job Title: Quality Control Chemist / QC Lab Technician

Job Description

This role supports a fast-paced quality laboratory by performing routine and non-routine testing on raw materials and production batches to ensure products meet strict quality standards. The Quality Control Chemist conducts quantitative and qualitative analytical tests, evaluates results against specifications, and supports continuous improvement by researching technical literature and assessing existing processes. The position offers strong growth potential, with opportunities to move into areas such as research and development, project engineering, and leadership roles within a global provider of cleaning, sanitizing, and maintenance products.

Responsibilities

• Perform batch testing, raw material testing, and batch adjustment calculations for all assigned materials.
• Evaluate test results and approve batches that meet established acceptance-testing specifications.
• Conduct laboratory tests including specific gravity, pH, viscosity, HPLC, GC, and other analytical methods in accordance with standard procedures.
• Prepare reagents and samples for analytical testing to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Record test data accurately and concisely in ERP systems such as SAP, maintaining complete and traceable documentation.
• Perform daily and weekly calibrations and method assurance checks for laboratory instruments to ensure ongoing accuracy.
• Maintain and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) protocols.
• Assist in maintaining the productivity, organization, and cleanliness of a fast-paced production laboratory.
• Support quality activities during customer and regulatory audits by providing documentation, data, and technical explanations.
• Actively participate and collaborate with Quality team members to resolve issues, improve processes, and support overall quality objectives.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with production associates and other cross-functional partners.
• Research technical literature and evaluate existing processes to identify opportunities for improvement or optimization.
• Set up and operate specialized laboratory instruments by following manufacturers' instructions with limited supervision.
• Use a variety of laboratory glassware and instruments that require a high degree of technical skill and attention to detail.
• Assume full responsibility for minor laboratory or quality-related projects as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering; degrees in Biology, Food Science, or other technical disciplines are also considered.
• At least 2 years of experience in plant quality control practices and wet chemistry.
• At least 1-2 years of experience with GC or HPLC instrumentation.
• At least 1-2 years of experience performing pH measurements in a laboratory setting.
• Hands-on experience in quality control, analytical chemistry, and wet chemistry techniques.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Knowledge of basic statistical principles as applied to quality control and data analysis.
• Training or experience with HPLC, GC, FTIR, or other analytical instruments.
• Knowledge of quality control practices and quality assurance tools.
• Familiarity and experience with ISO-9000 certification requirements and practices.
• Experience in the specialty chemical industry or related industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, or health and hygiene products.
• Experience working with detergent chemistry, including raw materials and finished goods relevant to cleaning and sanitizing products.
• Ability to accurately record and manage data in ERP systems such as SAP.
• Ability to follow detailed SOPs and technical instructions with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to laboratory safety and quality standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting customer and regulatory audits within a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production laboratory while maintaining high quality standards.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests, samples, and documentation simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with quality, production, and other cross-functional teams.
• Ability to research technical literature and evaluate existing processes for potential improvements.
• Interest in career growth within quality, R&D, project engineering, or leadership roles in a technical environment.

Work Environment

This position is based in a production quality laboratory that supports a global portfolio of cleaning, sanitizing, and maintenance products for hospitality, institutional, and industrial markets. The role involves hands-on work with laboratory glassware and analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, FTIR, pH meters, and viscosity measurement devices, requiring a high level of technical skill and precision. The environment is fast-paced and highly structured, with strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures, and ISO-9000 requirements. Team members collaborate closely with production and quality staff, and may assume responsibility for smaller projects while working with limited supervision. Appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment are required to ensure safety when handling chemicals and operating instruments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Martinsburg, WV.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $26.00/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 Martinsburg,WV.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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.