ITW
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Operations Chemist
role at
ITW
Company Overview Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) is a Fortune 200 global manufacturer with over $15.9B in revenue, known for its decentralized structure, customer-focused innovation, and operational excellence. Founded in 1912, ITW operates across 50+ countries, delivering specialized solutions through its unique 80/20 business model.
Division Overview – ITW Specialty Films ITW Specialty Films produces high-performance coated and metallized films for industries including Financial Cards, Secure ID, Medical Packaging, and Holographics. With eight facilities across North America and Europe, we combine deep technical expertise with agile manufacturing to meet complex customer needs.
Position Summary The Operations Chemist is a key member of our Operations team, supporting web coating and laminating processes for thin film production. Reporting to the Quality Manager, this role drives continuous improvement by investigating, testing, and resolving technical issues in coating operations. Responsibilities include enhancing existing products and processes to reduce scrap and cost and supporting the integration of new products. The Operations Chemist collaborates with cross‑functional teams (R&D, manufacturing, quality, legal, and sourcing) to provide technical expertise and ensure safe, consistent production. This position requires strict adherence to safety policies and active participation in site safety programs to promote a strong safety culture.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities Operational Support
Investigate non‑conformances in coating process to determine root cause and provide recommended corrective actions to operations
Interact with manufacturing staff to make determinations regarding coating uniformity, mix ratios and adjustments to process components or parameters such as gravure cylinders, anilox rollers, UV power, oven temperatures, coating weights
Diagnose performance issues and understand the functions of each chemical component in a formulation
Review, revise, and develop work instructions for mixes and coating processes to provide continuous support to operations
Own the end‑to‑end execution of production trials, including planning, coordination, and completion within established timelines
Perform small‑scale formulation work and physical testing
Conduct research and verification of alternate sources of raw materials
Drive focused improvement and cost savings efforts associated with site projects
Participate and complete FMEAs and Control Plans to support existing and new product development
Quality & Process Excellence
Apply structured root cause analysis methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone and other problem‑solving tools to identify, troubleshoot and resolve technical or quality issues; collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement corrective actions, verify effectiveness and prevent recurrence, ensuring continuous improvement and compliance with quality standards
Ensure lab processes meet internal standards and support quality assurance in manufacturing
Maintain and develop quality standards for coating applications and evaluation of new products
Utilize good documentation practices when generating trial reports, work instructions, formulation sheets, and deviations
Recommend new technologies or tools to improve operation processes
Contribute to the evaluation of new lab equipment and testing methods
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
Maintain accurate hazardous materials (HAZMAT) communication by ensuring proper labeling and up‑to‑date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous substances; verify compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements to support a safe work environment
Review and validate SDS documentation for all incoming raw materials to confirm adherence to chemical safety and regulatory standards; communicate personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements to relevant teams and ensure proper implementation
Assess and determine product compliance with global environmental, health, and safety regulations and industry standards, including REACH, RoHS, TSCA, Prop 65, POP and ISO requirements; maintain documentation and provide guidance to ensure ongoing regulatory conformity
Qualifications
B.S. Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or polymer science
3+ years of direct industrial experience, developing web coatings/adhesives/inks a plus
Experience in formulation development and/or polymer science
Experience in project management a plus
Proficient in written and verbal communication
Able to work individually and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
Hands‑on experience with the process development of web coatings a plus
Inquisitive, proactive and self‑motivated
Physical Demands & Working Environment
Work is normally performed in a combination of laboratory, office and manufacturing plant work environments; ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas
Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, computer use and communication
Frequent exposure to chemicals, UV radiation cure, solvents, etc.
Limited physical effort required; occasionally moves or lifts up to 40 lbs
Compensation Information The salary range for this position is $90,000 – $120,000 annually, based on factors such as relevant experience, education, and skills.
ITW has a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including a medical plan with FSA and HSA options, dental, prescription drug coverage, vision, 401(k) with a company match, life insurance, wellness programs, employee discounts, 12 paid holidays per year, vacation and sick time starting in the year of hire, and a corporate matching gift program for charitable donations. More information can be found here: https://myitwhr.com/
ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
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Operations Chemist
role at
ITW
Company Overview Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) is a Fortune 200 global manufacturer with over $15.9B in revenue, known for its decentralized structure, customer-focused innovation, and operational excellence. Founded in 1912, ITW operates across 50+ countries, delivering specialized solutions through its unique 80/20 business model.
Division Overview – ITW Specialty Films ITW Specialty Films produces high-performance coated and metallized films for industries including Financial Cards, Secure ID, Medical Packaging, and Holographics. With eight facilities across North America and Europe, we combine deep technical expertise with agile manufacturing to meet complex customer needs.
Position Summary The Operations Chemist is a key member of our Operations team, supporting web coating and laminating processes for thin film production. Reporting to the Quality Manager, this role drives continuous improvement by investigating, testing, and resolving technical issues in coating operations. Responsibilities include enhancing existing products and processes to reduce scrap and cost and supporting the integration of new products. The Operations Chemist collaborates with cross‑functional teams (R&D, manufacturing, quality, legal, and sourcing) to provide technical expertise and ensure safe, consistent production. This position requires strict adherence to safety policies and active participation in site safety programs to promote a strong safety culture.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities Operational Support
Investigate non‑conformances in coating process to determine root cause and provide recommended corrective actions to operations
Interact with manufacturing staff to make determinations regarding coating uniformity, mix ratios and adjustments to process components or parameters such as gravure cylinders, anilox rollers, UV power, oven temperatures, coating weights
Diagnose performance issues and understand the functions of each chemical component in a formulation
Review, revise, and develop work instructions for mixes and coating processes to provide continuous support to operations
Own the end‑to‑end execution of production trials, including planning, coordination, and completion within established timelines
Perform small‑scale formulation work and physical testing
Conduct research and verification of alternate sources of raw materials
Drive focused improvement and cost savings efforts associated with site projects
Participate and complete FMEAs and Control Plans to support existing and new product development
Quality & Process Excellence
Apply structured root cause analysis methodologies such as 5 Whys, Fishbone and other problem‑solving tools to identify, troubleshoot and resolve technical or quality issues; collaborate with cross‑functional teams to implement corrective actions, verify effectiveness and prevent recurrence, ensuring continuous improvement and compliance with quality standards
Ensure lab processes meet internal standards and support quality assurance in manufacturing
Maintain and develop quality standards for coating applications and evaluation of new products
Utilize good documentation practices when generating trial reports, work instructions, formulation sheets, and deviations
Recommend new technologies or tools to improve operation processes
Contribute to the evaluation of new lab equipment and testing methods
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
Maintain accurate hazardous materials (HAZMAT) communication by ensuring proper labeling and up‑to‑date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous substances; verify compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements to support a safe work environment
Review and validate SDS documentation for all incoming raw materials to confirm adherence to chemical safety and regulatory standards; communicate personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements to relevant teams and ensure proper implementation
Assess and determine product compliance with global environmental, health, and safety regulations and industry standards, including REACH, RoHS, TSCA, Prop 65, POP and ISO requirements; maintain documentation and provide guidance to ensure ongoing regulatory conformity
Qualifications
B.S. Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or polymer science
3+ years of direct industrial experience, developing web coatings/adhesives/inks a plus
Experience in formulation development and/or polymer science
Experience in project management a plus
Proficient in written and verbal communication
Able to work individually and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
Hands‑on experience with the process development of web coatings a plus
Inquisitive, proactive and self‑motivated
Physical Demands & Working Environment
Work is normally performed in a combination of laboratory, office and manufacturing plant work environments; ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in designated areas
Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, computer use and communication
Frequent exposure to chemicals, UV radiation cure, solvents, etc.
Limited physical effort required; occasionally moves or lifts up to 40 lbs
Compensation Information The salary range for this position is $90,000 – $120,000 annually, based on factors such as relevant experience, education, and skills.
ITW has a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including a medical plan with FSA and HSA options, dental, prescription drug coverage, vision, 401(k) with a company match, life insurance, wellness programs, employee discounts, 12 paid holidays per year, vacation and sick time starting in the year of hire, and a corporate matching gift program for charitable donations. More information can be found here: https://myitwhr.com/
ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
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