QC Chemist

About the role

The QC Chemist works in a quality control laboratory within a pharmaceutical and specialty chemical manufacturing environment in the Milwaukee area. This role focuses on release and in-process testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished API products using a wide range of analytical instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform release and in-process testing of raw materials, intermediates, test materials, and finished API products in accordance with written methods and procedures.
• Follow all applicable procedures, specifications, and test methods, ensuring full compliance with internal and regulatory requirements.
• Execute wet chemistry and analytical chemistry techniques to support quality control activities.
• Operate and utilize laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, Karl Fischer (KF), IC, and a soon-to-be-installed ICP-MS, to perform routine and specialized analyses.
• Interpret chromatography data and other analytical results, using data management systems such as Chemstation or Chromeleon where applicable.
• Assess whether materials meet specifications for release and document decisions clearly and accurately.
• Perform and review critical and complex calculations to support analytical testing and data evaluation.
• Prepare and standardize volumetric solutions to support routine and non-routine testing.
• Clearly document all GMP activities accurately and legibly, maintaining complete and compliant laboratory records.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on QC instrumentation to ensure reliable operation.
• Review data calculations for validation activities and ensure accuracy of analytical results.
• Provide information and documentation responses in cases of customer complaints or returns, supporting investigations and resolutions.
• Write procedures, test methods, protocols, reports, and material specifications to support laboratory operations and continuous improvement.
• Support a culture of consistent compliance by participating in training, providing guidance, and reviewing procedures as needed.
• Meet deadlines and testing schedules established by quality control leadership.
• Participate in a structured training process, progressing from observing tests, to performing tests under supervision, to independently executing tests.
• Handle laboratory supplies such as columns, liners, and septa, and ensure proper setup and use of analytical equipment.
• Lift up to 25 pounds as needed to handle materials, reagents, and equipment in the laboratory.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology.
• 2–3 years of experience as a chemist in an industrial setting.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC and GC in a quality control or analytical laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, Karl Fischer (KF), and IC.
• Ability to interpret and review analytical and chromatographic data accurately.
• Strong competency in performing and verifying critical and complex calculations.
• Experience working under GMP or similar regulated quality systems, with the ability to document activities clearly and legibly.
• At least 2 years of experience using Excel for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Experience preparing and standardizing volumetric solutions and performing wet chemistry techniques.
• Experience writing clear and concise procedures, test methods, protocols, reports, and material specifications.
• Experience performing routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on QC instrumentation.
• Ability to assess whether materials meet specifications for release based on analytical results.
• Physical ability to lift up to 25 pounds as part of laboratory duties.

Qualifications

• Experience with data management systems such as Chemstation or Chromeleon.
• Familiarity with NMR and broader analytical chemistry techniques.
• Experience with API, flavor and fragrance, or specialty chemical environments.
• Comfort working in smaller organizations where chemists gain exposure to a wide range of analytical equipment and responsibilities.
• Interest in contributing to analytical development, method development, and validation activities.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in all laboratory work.
• Ability to work collaboratively with another chemist and cross-functional teams in both laboratory and manufacturing settings.

Skills

• Hands-on experience with HPLC and GC in a quality control or analytical laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, Karl Fischer (KF), and IC.
• Ability to interpret and review analytical and chromatographic data accurately.
• Strong competency in performing and verifying critical and complex calculations.
• Experience working under GMP or similar regulated quality systems, with the ability to document activities clearly and legibly.
• Experience using Excel for data analysis, reporting, and documentation.
• Experience preparing and standardizing volumetric solutions and performing wet chemistry techniques.
• Experience writing clear and concise procedures, test methods, protocols, reports, and material specifications.
• Experience performing routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on QC instrumentation.
• Ability to assess whether materials meet specifications for release based on analytical results.

Benefits

Kingchem Laboratories offers a range of internal employee benefits designed to support both professional growth and personal well-being. Employees typically have access to competitive health insurance options, retirement savings plans, and paid time off to promote work-life balance. The company also emphasizes career development through on-the-job training, mentorship, and opportunities to advance within technical and quality-focused roles. Additionally, Kingchem fosters a collaborative culture with performance incentives, recognition programs, and a strong focus on safety and compliance in the workplace.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $62,000.00 - $62,000.00/yr.

Schedule

This is a Permanent position based out of St Francis, WI. Work is conducted on a first-shift schedule, with initial training typically running from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., followed by a standard shift of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Work Environment

The QC Chemist works in a quality laboratory that supports API, flavor and fragrance, and specialty chemical manufacturing. The role involves primarily laboratory-based work with occasional visits to the manufacturing floor. The laboratory uses a broad range of analytical technologies, including HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, Karl Fischer (KF), IC, and a soon-to-be-installed ICP-MS, providing extensive hands-on experience with modern analytical equipment. The organization is a smaller company, which allows chemists to gain broad exposure to analytical instruments and to participate in analytical and method development, as well as validation activities. The facility is currently expanding, with an additional building being added to increase API manufacturing capabilities and enhance laboratory operations.