Formulation Research Development Jobs in Detroit, MI

This role focuses on formulation changes, raw material substitutions, cost optimization, and simple new product development, ensuring product performance, quality, and manufacturability. The chemist will work closely with R&D, manufacturing, procurement, and technical service teams to maintain product robustness and accelerate development timelines.

• Modify existing formulations to improve performance, reduce cost, or address supply chain changes.
• Evaluate alternative suppliers, test new raw materials, and ensure compatibility with existing products.
• Develop incremental or derivative products based on customer needs or market gaps.
• Conduct performance testing, stability studies, and application evaluations.
• Maintain formulation records, test reports, and SOPs in compliance with internal quality systems.
• Assist manufacturing teams during pilot runs and production scale ups.
• Investigate formulation issues, quality deviations, or customer complaints.
• Work with procurement, operations, and technical service to ensure smooth implementation of formulation changes.
• Identify opportunities to streamline formulations, reduce complexity, or improve sustainability.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 2–7 years of experience in formulation, product development, or applied chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with formulation changes and optimization, raw material evaluation and substitution, and application testing and performance validation.
• Strong understanding of chemical interactions, stability, and compatibility.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results on time.

• Strong understanding of laboratory and wet chemistry techniques.

The work environment is characterized by a smaller company feel, which fosters loyalty and rewards long-term commitment with annual increases and bonuses. Operating Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, this role provides a structured work schedule. The company has a rich history, established in 1953 as manufacturers of surface finishing chemicals, and has evolved to provide technologically advanced, innovative products globally. The organization is committed to advancing its technological capabilities and fostering employee development through education and training. The company values collaboration with research universities and organizations to promote continuous learning and improvement.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Livonia, MI.

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $38.46/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Livonia,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 3, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.