QC Chemist

Position Title: QC Chemist - Gurnee

Position Summary

Qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses and performs those quality control functions necessary to ensure that only products meeting specifications are approved for sale to the Company’s customers.  Position has a significant impact on the success of the Company through guaranteed customer satisfaction and prevention/detection of non-conforming product(s).

Position Scope

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: 

• Perform quality analyses of incoming raw materials and finished products using established analytical methods.

• Ensure that the quality control department has the necessary chemicals, glassware, and equipment to perform quality analyses and that the analytical equipment is maintained in operating condition according to manufacturer’s specifications.

• Prepare, standardize, and maintain the reagents necessary to perform required quality tests.

• Record the results of analyses and provide written and oral notification approval/rejection of raw materials and finished products to the manufacturing department.

• Assist in developing measurable specifications for raw materials and finished products that confirm the materials suitability for the appropriate application.

• Develop and maintain written methods and procedures for performing quality analyses required to measure the specifications established for new raw materials and finished products.

• Identify quality problems with raw materials and finished products, determine corrective or preventive action, and verify that corrective or preventive action has occurred and was successful.

• Provide analytical support to manufacturing, sales, research and development, and technical service personnel for troubleshooting, and consultation related to processes, products, equipment and methods.

• Assist quality assurance department by providing quality control test results for use with statistical process control to determine whether the manufacturing process is in control.  Make recommendations as appropriate.

• Maintain work area in a safe and neat manner.

• Support HACCP Team activities.

• Some QC Chemists may be members of the Food Safety Team

Note: The duties listed above are not all inclusive and may be subject to periodic updating or revision.

Education & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry (or related discipline) from four-year college or university required.

Shift conditions: This role is hourly shift work and requires availability on nights and weekends. The department functions on an 8-week rotating schedule, including a first, second, and third shift. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Talents

More specifically, we would seek the following attributes and competencies for the position: 

• Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Familiarity with ISO Quality Management System preferred.

• PC literate and proficient in commonly used business and scientific applications.

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including meaning and spelling of words, and ability to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate to the needs of the audience.

• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications and ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems and to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Working Conditions

This role is hourly shift work and requires availability on nights and weekends. The department functions on an 8-week rotating schedule, including a first, second, and third shift.  

Pay

The estimated base pay range for this position is $28.00/hr. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills and geographic location. This position is eligible to participate in a short-term incentive program.

Benefits

Vantage offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Medical, HSA, dental, vision

• FSA (limited purpose, dependent care, and commuter/parking)

• Life and AD&D insurance

• Accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance

• Short- and long-term disability

• EAP, identity theft protection

• Paid time off, Parental Leave

• 401(k) with company match

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vantage is an equal opportunity employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category. 

About Vantage

Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction.

We are a dynamic people-centered organization where you’ll be part of a collaborative global team. Embracing our cultural diversity, we learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voices and talents of our colleagues, empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results, and we celebrate them by fostering a culture of recognition, development, learning, excellence and shared achievement. Most importantly, we know you’re going to like it here.  For more information visit: vantagegrp.com or LinkedIn/vantage.