Chemical Engineer

Job Description

This role supports surface modification and corrosion-related chemical processes for aerospace engine programs within a highly structured, process-driven engineering environment. You will execute and manage process chemistry projects from initial scope definition through final reporting, working closely with engineering and manufacturing stakeholders. The position is intended to provide immediate technical support in the laboratory while building a strong foundation for potential long-term conversion to a permanent role when business conditions allow. You will apply your chemical engineering background and practical lab experience to develop, improve, and troubleshoot critical chemical processes that directly impact flight safety and advanced aerospace technologies.

Responsibilities

• Execute and manage process chemistry projects from initial scope definition through experiment execution, data analysis, and final technical reporting for internal engineering and manufacturing customers.
• Develop, improve, and troubleshoot chemical surface modification processes, including plating, anodizing, stripping, cleaning, etching, and corrosion-resistant or protective coating applications.
• Create detailed test plans and experimental designs to evaluate and optimize chemical processes and surface treatments for aerospace hardware.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work, including preparing chemical solutions, setting up and running experiments, and processing aerospace hardware in accordance with established procedures and safety standards.
• Conduct laboratory testing such as hot corrosion testing and other evaluations related to alloy surface engineering and corrosion resistance.
• Analyze experimental and production data, interpret results, and generate clear, concise technical reports and recommendations for engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with Integrated Product Team (IPT) members, including engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply base partners, to ensure robust process performance across the product lifecycle.
• Support projects from early technology development through production and aftermarket phases, ensuring process control and continuous improvement of chemical surface modification operations.
• Apply process improvement and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency, consistency, and reliability of chemical processes and laboratory workflows.
• Use tools such as Excel and SAP to document work, track project progress, manage data, and support process control and reporting requirements.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and proactively addressing technical challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Communicate technical findings, project status, and recommendations effectively in both written reports and verbal discussions with cross-functional teams.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Practical, hands-on laboratory experience working with chemical processes and solutions.
• Experience in process chemistry or surface modification, focusing on applied process work rather than purely analytical chemistry.
• Solid understanding of alloy surface engineering principles and process control for surface treatments and corrosion-resistant coatings.
• Ability to develop, improve, and troubleshoot chemical processes such as plating, anodizing, stripping, cleaning, etching, and protective coatings.
• Proficiency in using Excel for data analysis, documentation, and reporting of laboratory and process results.
• Experience with process engineering and project engineering in a technical or manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to write clear reports and documentation and to present findings verbally to engineering and manufacturing audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work proactively in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
• Experience with continuous improvement and process improvement methodologies applied to laboratory or manufacturing processes.
• Laboratory discipline and attention to safety, accuracy, and procedural compliance when handling chemical solutions and processing hardware.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment alongside engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply base partners.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar enterprise systems for data management, documentation, and process tracking.
• background in aerospace, materials, or corrosion-related engineering environments is beneficial.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and support a dynamic workload driven by evolving program needs.
• Interest in contributing to flight safety improvements and cutting-edge advances in aerospace materials and processes.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in planning experiments, documenting procedures, and maintaining records.
• Capability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Motivation to grow into a long-term role and take advantage of potential opportunities for permanent employment as business conditions allow.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite position at a large, campus-style engineering and manufacturing facility. The group operates in a dynamic environment with frequently changing priorities driven by active aerospace engine programs and flight safety needs. You will spend significant time in laboratories working directly with chemical processes, solutions, and aerospace hardware, as well as collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain partners. The facility offers a business casual atmosphere and has the feel of a college campus, with laboratories, manufacturing areas, sports fields, shopping, and multiple dining options nearby. Work schedules include flexible start and stop times, provided core hours and project requirements are met. During the contract period, you receive paid time off and paid holidays, and overtime is available at an enhanced rate for hours worked beyond the standard workweek. The role emphasizes a structured, process-driven culture focused on continuous improvement, safety, and technical excellence, with the potential to transition to a permanent position and access a comprehensive benefits package.

This is a Contract position based out of East Hartford, CT.

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $55.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in East Hartford,CT.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.