Formulation Research Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Are you a hands-on chemist who enjoys formulation development, analytical testing, and solving real-world manufacturing challenges? Join a growing team where you'll play a key role in product development, quality assurance, and process optimization while working in a modern laboratory environment. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your technical expertise, contribute directly to product performance, and grow your career alongside experienced industry professionals.

Job Description

This R&D Chemist role focuses on supporting a chemical manufacturing operation by performing analytical testing, maintaining laboratory quality standards, and assisting with product formulation and process adjustments. You will work with a variety of products, contribute to both laboratory and production activities, and play a key role in ensuring that all materials meet specifications and customer requirements in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform testing on production batches, raw materials, and competitive products using methods such as pH measurement, viscosity testing, density measurement, solids determination, titrations, degree measurements, flash point testing, and other wet chemistry analyses.
• Manage and maintain the laboratory database for samples, production retains, and production documentation, ensuring accurate records and traceability.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing by reviewing test results and offering guidance on adjusting batch formulations when products fall outside of specifications.
• Prepare certificates of analysis for customers upon request, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments and operations equipment to known standards, and document all calibration and maintenance activities.
• Prepare sample batches for customers and the sales team, following established formulations and procedures.
• Conduct stability testing on laboratory and manufacturing samples to evaluate product performance over time.
• Communicate with outside laboratories to coordinate external testing, interpret results, and integrate findings into internal documentation.
• Serve as a resource for correct product label confirmation, verifying that labels match formulations and regulatory requirements.
• Read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, and apply this knowledge in daily laboratory and production support activities.
• Write routine reports and correspondence that clearly document test results, observations, and recommendations.
• Perform basic analytical calculations, including percentages, proportions, and other mathematical operations needed for testing, formulation, and data analysis.
• Follow quality control and quality assurance procedures to support consistent product quality and regulatory compliance.
• Organize laboratory workflows and maintain a process-driven, well-documented approach to testing and sample management.
• Collaborate with a small laboratory team, share knowledge, and contribute to a supportive and training-focused environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Chemistry, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Laboratory experience focused in chemistry or quality control, preferably within a chemical or food manufacturing environment.
• 2–3 years of R&D or formulation experience in a chemical or food manufacturing company.
• Hands-on experience performing wet chemistry tests, including titrations, pH measurements, viscosity, density, solids determination, and related analyses.
• Experience with quality control and quality assurance practices in a manufacturing or laboratory setting.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence that clearly document laboratory work and findings.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, volume, and to apply basic algebra and geometry in laboratory calculations.
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy and data integrity.
• Proactive work style, with the ability to anticipate needs and take initiative in the laboratory.
• Process-driven and organized approach to managing tests, samples, documentation, and workflows.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university is preferred.
• One to two years of related experience and/or training may be considered in combination with formal education.
• Experience working in an R&D laboratory within a chemical manufacturing facility.
• Familiarity with stability testing and interpretation of long-term product performance data.
• Comfort working with multiple product lines and adapting to a variety of formulations and testing requirements.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with production, sales, and external laboratories.
• Interest in career growth within a collaborative, training-focused environment, even if not immediately into a leadership role.

Work Environment

This role is based in a chemical manufacturing facility with a very clean, up-to-date laboratory environment. You will work as part of a laboratory team of approximately 8–10 people, fostering collaboration and hands-on learning. The position follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a standard 40-hour workweek and minimal overtime. The environment emphasizes safety, organization, and adherence to established procedures, with modern laboratory equipment and a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Downers Grove, IL.

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 Downers Grove,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.