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Entry Level Formulation Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Formulation Scientist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20

$38

$74

How much do entry level formulation scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level formulation scientist in Chicago, IL is $38.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.01 and $44.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Formulation Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Formulation Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or pharmaceutical sciences, typically with a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical techniques (such as HPLC or GC), and industry-standard software is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate formulation development, efficient teamwork, and compliance with industry regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level formulation scientists, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level formulation scientists often encounter challenges such as understanding complex product requirements, learning to operate specialized laboratory equipment, and adjusting formulations to achieve desired product stability and performance. Collaborating closely with senior scientists and cross-functional teams, such as analytical and quality assurance groups, helps address these challenges. Seeking mentorship, participating in training sessions, and proactively asking questions can accelerate learning and integration into the team, leading to greater confidence and effectiveness in the role.

What does an Entry Level Formulation Scientist do?

An Entry Level Formulation Scientist is responsible for developing and testing new formulations of products, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or chemicals. They work under the guidance of senior scientists to mix ingredients, analyze product stability, and ensure that formulations meet safety and quality standards. Their tasks often include conducting laboratory experiments, documenting results, and troubleshooting formulation issues. This role is ideal for recent graduates with a background in chemistry, biochemistry, or related sciences who are interested in product development.

What is the difference between Entry Level Formulation Scientist vs Entry Level Quality Control Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Formulation ScientistEntry Level Quality Control Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemistry, Pharmacy, or related field; internship experience helpfulBachelor's in Chemistry, Biology, or related field; internship experience helpful
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on developing and testing formulationsLaboratories and manufacturing sites performing product testing and analysis
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industriesPharmaceutical, biotech, and manufacturing industries

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in a related science field and involve laboratory work. The formulation scientist focuses on developing new product formulations, while the quality control analyst emphasizes testing and ensuring product quality. Both positions are essential in product development and manufacturing within similar industries, often overlapping in skills and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Formulation Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Formulation Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Formulation Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Formulation Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Formulation Scientist jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Formulation Scientist job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,658 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Management Associate - Quality Assurance

United States Steel Corporation

Gary, IN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago


United States Steel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

The Management Associate program is our entry level program for college graduates to help accelerate their professional development. Management Associates are provided between 12-24 months of training across one or more functional areas with work assignments designed to assist in both personal and skill-set development. The role may include rotational assignment(s) within the department. This program is designed to strengthen leadership capabilities to prepare the college graduate for advanced roles within our operations or in several disciplines that support our operations. U. S. Steel has an opening for a Management Associate in our Quality organization. The Quality organization helps to ensure U. S. Steel can deliver on our commitment to being a supplier of quality products to our customers. 

Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Support the management and maintenance of the quality systems critical to ISO/QS 9000 and IATF 16949 certifications 
  • Assist with the formulation and maintenance of quality control standards and objectives 
  • Collaborating with research and process technology engineers to investigate and propose solutions to internal/external customer quality issues 
  • Assisting with development and delivery of quality-control training 
  • Travel to operating facilities is expected 
  • All plant activities require a Safety-First work attitude.
  • Incumbent is expected to attend conferences within the field of expertise

Candidate Requirements: 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Material Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or related area of study
  • Must have graduated within the last three years from an accredited college or university at the time of hire
  • Must have less than three years of professional work experience 
  • Prior internship a plus

Preferred Skills:

  • We are looking for motivated self-starters that can work in a fast paced, data-driven environment. The successful undergraduate will be an analytical problem solver, have an extremely high level of customer focus and a passion for process improvement. In addition, a successful intern will have: 
  • Demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and an aptitude for your area of study
  • A strong record of team, project and/or people leadership in a work setting and/or extracurricular activities 
  • A willingness to take initiative to understand the business 
  • An aptitude for problem solving; strong writing and verbal communication skills
  • A strong commitment to excellence and to personal and professional growth
  • Must be resourceful, responsible, tenacious, curious, independent, confident and high energy 
  • The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. 
  • Leadership and strong decision-making skills 
  • Ability to think and act both strategically and tactically
,

Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:

  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies 2022, '23, '24
  • Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
  • Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24


Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit www.ussteel.com/CANotice regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)


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