3rd Shift - QC Chemist

Job Description

The QC Chemist is responsible for performing chemical, physical, and analytical testing on raw materials, in-process bulk products, finished goods, water systems, and manufacturing samples to ensure compliance with established specifications, customer requirements, and regulatory standards. This role supports production through analytical testing, batch adjustments, investigations, instrument calibration, and laboratory documentation while maintaining compliance with cGMPs, GLPs, safety standards, and company procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform physical and analytical testing of raw materials, in-process bulk, finished goods, and manufacturing samples.
• Conduct testing including: pH, viscosity, specific gravity, organoleptic evaluation, color analysis, particle size analysis, wet chemistry methods, titration methods.
• Utilize laboratory instrumentation such as auto-titrators, TOC analyzers, color analyzers, particle size analyzers, microscopes, and other QC laboratory equipment.
• Evaluate manufacturing samples throughout the production process to ensure conformance to specifications.
• Approve and release finished bulk products after successful completion of required testing.
• Evaluate and approve line startup and finished product samples.
• Prepare laboratory batches and issue batch adjustment recommendations to manufacturing.
• Approve batch adjustments for in-process bulk products.
• Analyze purified water and facility water systems as required.
• Prepare, standardize, and maintain laboratory reagents and solutions.
• Maintain sample retention and storage systems.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and ensure adequate supplies are available for daily operations.
• Ensure all laboratory records, logbooks, and electronic files are complete, accurate, and maintained in compliance with GMP requirements.
• Support consumer complaint investigations and testing activities as required.
• Initiate Out-of-Specification (OOS) investigations when needed.
• Perform routine instrument calibration, verification, and performance checks.
• Troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and analytical methods.
• Ensure laboratory equipment remains functional, properly maintained, and within calibration requirements.
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Management.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and laboratory efficiency projects.
• Make recommendations to improve product quality, laboratory operations, safety, and compliance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Management.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Safety & Regulatory Responsibilities

• Promote a safe work environment and adhere to all Health, Safety, and Environmental requirements.
• Follow all company policies, cGMP requirements, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), SOPs, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory environment.
• Ensure proper housekeeping and documentation practices are consistently followed.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or related scientific discipline preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of Quality Control laboratory experience in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, chemical, or related manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; knowledge of laboratory testing methodologies and instrumentation; ability to troubleshoot analytical equipment; strong mathematical skills; effective verbal and written communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); ability to work independently and within a team environment; strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment; flexibility to work overtime, weekends, alternative schedules, and additional hours as business needs require.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to sit for extended periods as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Frequent reaching, bending, and handling of laboratory materials and equipment.

Work Environment

• Cosmetic and personal care manufacturing environment.
• Quality Control laboratory setting.
• Moderate noise levels.
• Exposure to manufacturing traffic, including forklifts and material handling equipment.
• Proper laboratory lighting and ventilation.

Quality Policy

KDC/ONE employees are committed to the development, production, and delivery of safe, high-quality personal care products that consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.