Quality Control Chemist

Quality Control Chemist

Department: Quality Control
Location: Ottawa, IL 61350
Schedule: Full-Time | Multiple Shifts

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Quality Control Chemist to join our growing manufacturing team. This role is responsible for ensuring the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of premium personal care and OTC products throughout the manufacturing process.

The successful candidate will perform analytical testing, evaluate batch conformance, execute batch adjustments when required, and provide real-time support to production operations. This position requires strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform in-process, bulk, and finished product quality control testing for hair care, skin care, and OTC product lines.
• Evaluate analytical results against established specifications and release criteria.
• Calculate and execute batch adjustments to ensure products meet quality and performance requirements.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instrumentation, including:
• • pH meters
  • Viscometers
  • Conductivity meters
  • Centrifuges
  • Total solids testing equipment
  • UHPLC systems
  • FTIR instrumentation
• Monitor production batches and provide timely feedback to manufacturing personnel regarding quality concerns.
• Investigate out-of-specification results and support corrective action activities.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, testing documentation, and regulatory compliance files.
• Adhere to all SOPs, GMP requirements, safety procedures, SDS guidelines, and quality system requirements.
• Collaborate with Production, R&D, and Regulatory teams to support product quality, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support new product development and scale-up activities through analytical testing and data collection.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or closely related scientific discipline.
• 1–3 years of quality control experience in personal care, cosmetics, OTC pharmaceuticals, or related manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of laboratory testing techniques and manufacturing quality systems.
• Ability to perform batch calculations and make analytical-based batch adjustment recommendations.
• Experience working independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and effective verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with OTC drug products and FDA regulatory requirements.
• Experience with UHPLC and FTIR analytical methods.
• Knowledge of personal care, cosmetic, or topical OTC formulations.
• Experience conducting investigations and resolving quality-related issues.

Why Join Us?

• Work with a diverse portfolio of innovative personal care and OTC products.
• Gain hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation.
• Collaborate with experienced professionals across Quality, R&D, Regulatory, and Manufacturing.
• Contribute directly to product quality, consumer safety, and operational excellence.