Chemical Engineer

Actalent
East Hartford, CT

Hiring for a Chemical Engineer in East Hartford!

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting surface modification and corrosion-related chemical processes for aerospace engine programs within a dynamic materials and process engineering environment. You will execute and manage process chemistry projects from concept through final reporting, working hands-on in the laboratory and closely with cross-functional teams. The position offers an excellent opportunity to build long-term career potential, including the possibility of conversion to a permanent role when business conditions allow, while contributing directly to flight safety and cutting-edge advances in the aerospace industry.

Responsibilities

  • Execute and manage process chemistry projects from initial scope definition through 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 and protective coatings.
  • Create detailed test plans that define objectives, methodologies, and acceptance criteria for laboratory and hardware processing work.
  • Perform hands-on laboratory work, including setting up and conducting experiments and processing aerospace hardware in accordance with established procedures.
  • Prepare chemical solutions accurately and safely for use in surface modification and corrosion-related tests and processes.
  • Conduct laboratory testing, including hot corrosion testing, to evaluate process performance, material behavior, and coating effectiveness.
  • Analyze experimental and process data, interpret results, and draw meaningful conclusions to support engineering and manufacturing decisions.
  • Generate clear, concise technical reports and documentation that summarize methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations for stakeholders.
  • Collaborate closely with Integrated Product Team (IPT) members, including engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply base partners, to align process solutions with program needs.
  • Support projects across the full product lifecycle, from early technology development and validation through production implementation and aftermarket support.
  • Apply process engineering and continuous improvement principles to enhance process robustness, yield, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Use tools such as SAP and Excel to manage project data, track activities, document process parameters, and support reporting and decision-making.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Communicate technical information clearly, both in writing and verbally, to diverse audiences, including engineers, manufacturing personnel, and leadership.

Essential Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry
  • Practical, hands-on laboratory experience working with chemical processes and solutions.
  • Experience in process chemistry or surface modification, rather than purely analytical chemistry.
  • Knowledge and experience with surface modification processes such as plating, anodizing, stripping, cleaning, etching, and corrosion-resistant and protective coatings.
  • Solid understanding of alloy surface engineering principles and process control concepts.
  • Demonstrated process engineering and process improvement experience within a laboratory or production environment.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting.
  • Experience using SAP or similar enterprise systems to support engineering or manufacturing activities.
  • Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to write clear technical reports and documentation.
  • Effective verbal communication skills for collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain partners.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work proactively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of an Integrated Product Team (IPT) or cross-functional team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience conducting hot corrosion testing or similar corrosion-related laboratory evaluations.
  • Background in continuous improvement methodologies applied to chemical or surface engineering processes.
  • Experience supporting aerospace hardware processing or other highly regulated, safety-critical industries.
  • Familiarity with structured, process-driven organizations and adherence to established procedures and standards.
  • Interest in long-term career growth within a materials and process engineering environment, including potential transition to a permanent role.
  • Motivation to contribute to flight safety and advanced aerospace technologies through process chemistry and surface engineering.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and evolving project requirements.

Work Environment

This position is fully onsite at a large, established engineering campus that combines laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and a range of campus-like amenities. You will work in a dynamic group where priorities can change frequently, requiring flexibility and responsiveness. The environment is business casual, with a professional yet relaxed atmosphere similar to a college campus, including access to labs, manufacturing areas, sports fields, shopping, and multiple dining options. The organization operates in a highly structured, process-driven manner, emphasizing quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Core onsite hours are required, but start and stop times offer flexibility as long as core responsibilities and laboratory commitments are met. The role is hourly, with overtime typically available at a premium rate for hours worked over 40 per week. During the contract period, you receive paid time off and paid holidays, and there may be eligibility for short periods of unemployment benefits during year-end or holiday breaks, subject to applicable regulations. The work centers on hands-on laboratory activities with chemical processes and solutions, supporting flight safety and advanced aerospace engine programs in a collaborative, team-oriented setting.

If you are interested please book a virtual meeting with me here: https://talentassistant.actalentservices.com/assistant/bookings/bgF9HVkt

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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

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)

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

  • Hiring diverse talent
  • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
  • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
  • Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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