Senior Chemist
Senior Chemist – Product Development & Quality
Salary: $80,000 – $100,000 per year
Gurtler Industries is seeking a Senior Chemist to support product development, formulation, quality control, and technical services within our specialty chemical manufacturing operations.
This role plays an important part in ensuring that both new and existing chemical products meet the highest standards for performance, consistency, and quality while supporting production and customer-facing technical needs.
If you enjoy applying chemistry to real-world industrial challenges and working in a collaborative manufacturing environment, we would like to hear from you.
About Gurtler Industries
Gurtler Industries is a family-owned manufacturer of specialty chemicals and equipment serving the commercial laundry industry across North America. For over 40 years, we have built a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions and long-term customer partnerships.
Our team focuses on innovation, operational excellence, and helping customers operate more efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Product Development & Formulation
- Lead formulation and development of new chemical products
- Evaluate and test raw materials for performance, cost efficiency, and compatibility
- Conduct laboratory testing and performance benchmarking
- Support scale-up from laboratory development to production
Quality Control & Process Improvement
- Maintain and improve quality control protocols for raw materials and finished products
- Investigate batch discrepancies and support production troubleshooting
- Develop and maintain laboratory testing procedures and documentation
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 quality management standards
Technical Support
- Provide technical expertise to internal teams and customers
- Analyze chemical performance issues and recommend solutions
- Prepare technical reports from laboratory and field testing
- Assist with product performance evaluations when needed
Laboratory Operations
- Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration schedules, and testing standards
- Ensure safe laboratory practices and proper documentation
- Protect proprietary formulations and confidential company information
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific field
- 7–10+ years of experience in chemical formulation, product development, or quality control
- Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial chemical environment
- Strong knowledge of laboratory testing methods and analytical techniques
- Experience working within ISO quality systems
- Work Authorization: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Gurtler Industries does not provide visa sponsorship or transfer sponsorship for this position.
Preferred
- Master’s degree in Chemistry or related field
- Experience with specialty chemicals, detergents, surfactants, or cleaning formulations
- Strong technical communication and reporting skills
Benefits
- $80,000 – $100,000 per year
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid holidays and vacation
- First-shift schedule
- Stable, family-owned company environment
Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
This role is based at our South Holland, Illinois headquarters and requires onsite laboratory work.
Qualified candidates interested in contributing to product innovation and technical excellence are encouraged to apply.