Chemist

Actalent is seeking an Analytical Chemist to support a collaborative laboratory team in performing analytical testing, wet chemistry, and technical service activities for metal coatings and finishing applications.

About the role

During the training period, you will work closely with experienced lab staff to learn internal processes, testing requirements, customer expectations, and industry-specific methods. You will become a key contributor to both routine testing and customer-focused technical projects in a chemical laboratory environment focused on surface finishing and metal coatings.

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Experience working in a chemistry or wet chemistry laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating HPLC, IC, UV-VIS, ICP, AA, XRF, torque testing equipment, corrosion chambers, salt chambers, or microscopy tools.
• Prior metal finishing or plating experience.

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 will 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.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00 per hour. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on 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:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 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)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite, Contract to Hire position based in Livonia, MI, operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.