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Chemical Technologist 1st Shift

Confidential Client•Energy & Utilities
Entry LevelFull-timeOn-Site$65,970
Chicago, Illinois
16 Hours Ago

The Chemical Technologist supports the Polymer Products process engineering team by performing routine and specialized material testing on polymer formulations to ensure quality and production efficiency. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, analyzing process data, preparing detailed test reports, assisting with non-conforming material investigations, and collaborating with operations to improve lab processes and standard work instructions. This role requires strong laboratory skills, chemical safety knowledge, and effective communication within a manufacturing environment.

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Description

About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Electrical Equipment Manufacturing.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.


What You’ll Do

Confidential Client is seeking a Chemical Technologist (1st Shift) to support the Polymer Products process engineering team. You will perform routine and investigational material testing on polymer formulations and raw materials used in molding operations, prepare clear test reports, and support continuous improvement and quality assurance activities.

  • Perform weekly and production-driven material testing for polymer formulations (cypoxy™) and related raw materials — viscosity, density, loss on ignition, glass transition temperature (DSC), tack/track testing, hardness, surface roughness, particle size distribution, concentration analysis, and similar assays.
  • Create and distribute test reports summarizing methods, results, analyses, and conclusions to stakeholders on a regular basis.
  • Assist polymer engineering with Non-Conforming Material Reports (NMR) and Returned Material Authorizations (RMA), including laboratory analysis and report generation.
  • Conduct experiments and collect process data; use basic statistical tools to analyze results and recommend process improvements.
  • Learn and apply Inspection Specification Procedures (ISPs) for polymer products and act as an engineering representative to help disposition on-hold product.
  • Develop and update standard work instructions and instruction bulletins for tooling and process-related tasks.
  • Collaborate with operations, production, and engineering to support lab and production troubleshooting and continuous improvement efforts.

What You’ll Need (Qualifications)

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field — or an equivalent mix of education and hands-on laboratory/manufacturing experience.
  • 1+ years performing material or chemical testing in a lab or manufacturing quality environment. Relevant internships, co-ops, and academic lab experience count.
  • Experience with polymer materials and routine lab equipment operation.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare concise technical reports.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Knowledge of safe chemical handling, SDS (Safety Data Sheets), and appropriate use of PPE.
  • Basic record-keeping, documentation, troubleshooting, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Preferred

  • Experience operating instruments such as Mettler Toledo DSC and Microtrac particle size analyzers.
  • Familiarity with statistical tools (e.g., Minitab) or SPC methods.

Schedule & Compensation

  • Shift: 1st Shift — 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday–Friday.
  • Estimated pay range: $49,040–$61,300 per year. This role is also eligible for an annual short-term incentive bonus, subject to eligibility and plan rules.
  • Employment type: Full-time.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

  • Frequently works indoors (laboratory/production) with exposure to fumes, vapors, dust, chemicals, grease, oils, and lab or plant noise; occasional exposure to elevated noise or energized equipment.
  • Physical: occasional walking (up to 0.25 miles), occasional stairs, frequent close-range observation (color differentiation), and regular communication by phone/in person.
  • Must be able to follow chemical safety protocols and use required PPE.

Why Join

  • Work on polymer testing that helps advance resilient, reliable electrical systems.
  • Contribute directly to engineering and production improvements in an industry-focused lab environment.
  • Opportunity to grow technical skills with hands-on instrumentation and cross-functional collaboration.

Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.

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