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Quality Specialist 1

W. R. Grace · Baltimore, MD

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Level
Specialist
Team
Quality
Base pay
$58k–$79k
Degree
Preferred
Experience asked
4+ years
Industry
Chemicals
Posted
25 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A specialist quality role at W. R. Grace (chemicals) in Baltimore, MD.

They ask for
4+ years · degree preferred
Tools it names
SPC, ISO 9001, FDA / GMP
Base pay
$58k–$79k
Day to day
some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Quality Engineer roles in Maryland: typical posted base $99k–$145k. This one lists $58k–$79k.

Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 13 quality engineer openings in Maryland, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Maryland plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 12 other live quality postings in Maryland.

Experience asked
Less than usual (4+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ ISO 9001 46%
  • Lean 46%
  • FMEA 46%
  • Root cause 46%
  • Six Sigma 31%
  • AS9100 31%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 4+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverageLifts up to 50 lbs

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Quality team at W. R. Grace

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • Which standards drive the work here: ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100?
    • How much of the job is customer complaints versus prevention?
    • How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: W. R. Grace in Baltimore

2 other open roles at this site.

Full description from W. R. GraceAs posted on their careers site.Show

Responsibilities

  • ◆Performs the various tests in accordance to established methods, analyzes the results, and dictates any needed process adjustments in a coaching capacity
  • ◆Interacts closely with the Operations group in a team environment to assure effective group dynamics
  • ◆Use statistics and SPC tools to evaluate data and trends to effectively identify changes in process and/or instrumentation behavior; and responds accordingly as appropriate
  • ◆Recognizes and promptly investigates any test results not within established specifications; including monitoring and verifying key process attribute trends. Follows established protocols to address out-of-specification situations, up to and including stopping the process
  • ◆Interacts with the Analytical Services Center for high priority samples, monitors for completed results, interprets same, and dictates process adjustments as needed
  • ◆Inputs and retrieves information from the laboratory data management system
  • ◆Operates analytical instrumentation, and is capable to troubleshoot simple equipment problems
  • ◆Responsible for all lab instrumentation during shift. Assures all lab instrumentation is functioning to expectations via use of standards and verification of test results
  • ◆Ensure compliance with housekeeping standards and maintain the laboratory in an audit-ready condition at all times
  • ◆Manages and stocks lab supplies on each shift, up to and including ordering new inventory
  • ◆Support operations and quality teams by performing specialized sample analyses and conducting investigations related to process issues and customer complaints
  • ◆Assures regulatory compliance, including environmental and process safety, and a safe workplace for all employees.
  • ◆Depending on business conditions, may be temporarily reassigned.

The successful candidate will work 12-hour rotating shifts in a 24/7/365 plant, to include nights, weekends, and some holidays. Some time will be spent in a production environment near heavy machinery. This position will require standing for long periods of time, and may occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

Physical

Requirements

and Environment

  • ✓Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a laboratory environment with highly hazardous materials
  • ✓Ability to work in a high hazard environment, including adverse weather conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and noisy surroundings.
  • ✓Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb stairs and ladders over 100 ft.
  • ✓Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator

Required Qualifications

  • ✓Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related physical science strongly preferred) or
  • ✓High school diploma and 4+ years of experience within an analytical or in-process laboratory.
  • ✓Experience analyzing and interpreting complex technical data, defining trends, and drawing conclusions
  • ✓Strong working knowledge of laboratory safety protocols, chemical handling procedures, and process safety standards, with a commitment to maintaining audit-ready operational standards.
  • ✓Demonstrated ability to operate and calibrate on laboratory instruments

Preferred Qualifications

  • ✓Demonstrated hands-on experience in an industrial or analytical laboratory environment, including sample preparation, quantitative/qualitative analysis, quality control testing, and evaluating finished product against tight specification criteria.
  • ✓Proven capability to interpret complex technical data, recognize out-of-spec (OOS) trends, and make high-impact operational decisions or adjustments under pressure.
  • ✓Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a proven track record of prioritizing high-volume workloads effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • ✓Demonstrated ability to operate, calibrate, and perform routine troubleshooting on laboratory instruments and data management systems
  • ✓Working knowledge of, or experience in, a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), ISO 9001, or other regulated manufacturing and laboratory environment. Familiarity with data integrity principles, documentation practices, deviation management, and audit readiness is preferred.
  • ✓Demonstrated ability to apply SPC methodologies, including control charts, trend analysis, process cap
Show full description ↓

Band Grade : 6-A

Annual Wage Range: $57,680.00 - $79,310.00

Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Job Description

W.R. Grace & Co., a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals, has an immediate need for a Process Controller at its Curtis Bay facility.

This position is responsible for obtaining product samples from the production process, preparing the samples for various tests, performing the tests, analyzing the results, and making process decisions based upon relevant data. This position is embedded in a GMP manufacturing site. Position is in a high-pace environment; effective communication and prioritization skills are critical to be successful in this role. Decisions made in this role can have significant financial impact on plant performance. This position will ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards, as well as identifying, reporting, and resolving hazards.

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