KAREN J. CHIRELLO
630-***-**** *** Elmwood Street Dearborn, MI 48124 ********@*****.***
SENIOR DEVELOPMENT CHEMIST
Results-driven Senior Chemist and Lead Auditor with extensive experience in raw material, in process and final product testing. Broad background in personal care and metalworking fluids fields with wide-ranging knowledge of quality and environmental management systems (QMS & EMS), research methodologies, data collection practices, and statistical analysis techniques. Thorough understanding of EPA regulations, ISO 14001 and TS 16949 standards, quality control functions, and current good manufacturing practices (cGMP).
Analytical methods used include GC-FID, FTIR, UV-Vis, TGA, XRF, Surface Tension, Viscosity, KF, ASTM and EPA.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
The PIC Group, Chrysler LLC Trenton Engine Plant August 2015-Present
Quality Inspector
Inspect incoming engine parts and reject parts where necessary.
Diversified Chemical Technologies, Detroit, MI May 2014-Feb. 2015
Senior R & D Chemist
Development of metalworking fluids including straight oils, synthetics, semi-synthetics and soluble oils. Conducted thorough analyses of fluids through many tests including foam testing, cloud point testing, rust testing, bi-metallic corrosion testing, fish tank testing, Microtap II testing and Falex testing.
BASF- (Contractor, Express Employment Professionals) –Farmington Hills, MI July 2013- May 2014
Product Regulations Technician
Development of the Global Harmonization of SDS’s for different business groups including construction chemicals (EB) group and the ED business group.
Involved in the training of a new employees for the Global Harmonization of SDS’s.
Use of SAP and BASIS for the Global Harmonization Process.
National Chemical & Oil Corporation Inc. (NCOC, Inc.) – Oak Park, MI Dec. 2004–Sept. 2011
Senior Chemist, Lead Auditor – QMS & EMS
Originally hired as Chemist to develop/improve semi-synthetic and soluble oil product lines for Tier 1 supplier of an automotive company producing metalworking fluids, industrial cleaners, conversion coatings, hydraulic and gear oils, and windshield wiper fluid. Quickly promoted based on formulation abilities, dedication to quality, and expertise in metalworking fluids/cleaners. Performed QC testing according to approved laboratory practices encompassing viscosities, titrations, FTIR analyses, surface tension evaluations, freeze and pour points, and other product examinations.
Transitioned into Certified Lead Auditor role for TS 16949:2002 and ISO 14001:2004. Conducted comprehensive internal audits, led staff training, presided over QMS & EMS, and served as primary liaison with external auditor regarding quality and environmental issues. Held full responsibility for local, state, and federal permitting processes.
Effectively directed internal audits, reporting and correcting minor non-conformances for both the EMS and QMS combined: providing, continuous compliance with TS 16949 and ISO 14001 standards.
Formulated cost-efficient product line of semi-synthetic and soluble oil metalworking fluids to solve microbial and rust issues and received 3% of profits in recognition of contribution.
Developed innovative synthetic machining fluid used to manufacture critical parts for Hubbell Space Craft.
Led troubleshooting efforts with product problems interfacing with sales and customers.
Karen’s Candle Expressions – Lombard, IL Oct. 2002–Sept. 2004
Candle Maker/Owner
Founded and managed small company specializing in production of specialty decorative candles with paraffin-based, soy-based, gel-based, and beeswax materials. Built business from the ground up and worked with individual clients to design attractive candles for special events and craft shows. Researched properties of different types of wax and studied candle making methods, combining creativity, technology, and safety to produce high-quality, ornate candles with excellent shelf life.
H20 Plus – Chicago, IL Nov. 2000–Sept. 2002
Senior Chemist
Enlisted to assist in formulation process for manufacturer of personal care products. Supervised Lab Technician and developed lotions, creams, siloxane-based emulsions, shampoos and conditioners, salt rubs, shower gels, sunscreens, and clay masks. Functioned as customer liaison, handling technical questions and promptly resolving product satisfaction issues.
Formulated 13 products that were commercialized within 2-year period including 3 of the original 6 products for the skin lightening line and one of the first lip plumpers available on the market.
Blistex, Inc. – Oak Brook, IL Apr. 1999–Nov. 2000
Formulation Chemist
Delivered valued formulation and product development expertise and created numerous products for leading manufacturer of personal care items. Worked extensively on 4 specific lines: lip balms, acne spot treatments, acne wash solutions, and teething/oral discomfort gels. Wrote raw material and finished product specifications and completed detailed material safety data sheets (MSDS).
Collaborated with analytical department to construct SOP’s for acne and oral discomfort medications and lip balms to ensure conformance to cGMP.
Improved scale-up procedures for pilot production batches to enhance quality and more efficiently transition from R&D phase to full scale manufacturing.
Castrol Industrial North America – Downers Grove, IL Apr. 1989–Apr. 1999
Senior Development Chemist II (1996–1999)
Senior Technical Support Chemist (1994–1996)
Research Chemist (1989–1993)
Progressed through series of positions based on attention to detail, quality and safety focus, and leadership abilities for world’s top provider of lubrication solutions with more than 12K employees operating in 130+ countries. Oversaw development of new products for electronics chemicals market including water- and oil-based cleaners, glass grinding fluids, and synthetic, semi-synthetic, and soluble oil metalworking fluids. Provided excellent customer service, troubleshooting product issues and training clients on metalworking fluids.
Increased sales for electronics chemicals market by $2M per year by collaborating with Marketing Manager and OEM partner to develop new/enhance existing products.
Identified areas of improvement for recruiting and professional development practices for technical support chemists, engineers, and distributors.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MBA, Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Member of Beta Gamma Sigma Honors Society
BS in Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI AFFILIATIONS
Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC)