Plant Chemist - University Park, IL

Verdant Specialty Solutions • Full-time • University Park, IL, US • 3w ago

Support where quality meets production.

Verdant Specialty Solutions is seeking a Plant Chemist to lead quality control operations and serve as the site’s subject matter expert on all manufactured chemistries, driving product quality, process integrity, and technical problem-solving across production.

This is not strictly a quality role, but one where you will partner with the plant manager and operations to ensure safe execution of right-first time production. This is a plant-facing position where your work directly impacts execution of the production plan, introduction of new products to the plant, troubleshooting, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.

If you are detail-oriented, hands-on in the lab, and confident working alongside plant management, quality chemists, and operations to solve real-time production challenges—we want to talk to you.

Why This Role Is Different

Develop deep understanding of how chemistry performs at manufacturing scale and what factors impact safe and on-specification manufacturing
Direct Production Impact: your leadership and understanding of process chemistry and quality results determine whether materials move forward or stop
End-to-End Visibility: from raw material qualification to final product certification
Plant Integration: work side-by-side with operators, engineers, and maintenance
Quality Ownership: lead compliance with ISO, GMP, and customer-driven quality standards
Real-Time Decision Making: you are the key interface between quality data and operations to drive batch disposition and customer outcomes

What You’ll Do

Be the subject matter expert in the products and manufacturing processes at the plant
Lead the quality team and perform wet chemistry and instrumental analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods
Certify materials and finished products for release and shipment
Generate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) using LIMS and SAP systems
Conduct in-process testing and communicate results to operations in real time
Support investigations related to customer complaints and product quality concerns
Maintain laboratory calibration, documentation, and retain systems
Participate in Gauge R&R studies to validate methods and ensure data reliability
Ensure proper handling, labeling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste
Lead compliance with ISO 9001, EFfCI, GMP, RSPO, and site HSSE requirements

What Sets You Apart

Hands-on experience with wet chemistry and analytical instrumentation
Demonstrated expertise with organic synthesis and process chemistry
Strong understanding of laboratory safety, chemical handling, and solution preparation
Ability to interpret data and make sound quality decisions in a production environment
Clear, effective communicator across operations, engineering, and leadership
High attention to detail with disciplined documentation practices
Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, batch-driven manufacturing setting
Independent thinker with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

What You Bring

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related field (preferred)
OR relevant laboratory experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting
Experience with LIMS, SAP, or similar systems is a plus
Familiarity with quality systems and regulatory frameworks (ISO, GMP, etc.)

Work Environment

This role is based in a chemical manufacturing facility in University Park, IL and requires regular presence in both the laboratory and production environment.

Exposure to chemicals, reagents, and industrial operations
Required use of PPE (lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, etc.)
Standing for extended periods and hands-on lab work
Close collaboration with plant operations and cross-functional teams

What You’ll Get

Competitive compensation and benefits
Stable, plant-based role with clear impact on operations
Opportunity to grow within a global specialty chemicals organization
Exposure to quality systems, regulatory frameworks, and manufacturing excellence
A team-oriented environment where your work matters every day

About Verdant
Verdant Specialty Solutions is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer combining innovation, agility, and operational excellence. With operations across the United States and Europe, we bring functional chemistry to life, safely, reliably, and responsibly.

If you’re ready to bring your lab expertise into a role where quality decisions drive real-world outcomes, apply today!