Formulation Chemist

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The Formulation Chemist is responsible for the research, design, and development of innovative personal care and home care products, including skincare, haircare, body care and laundry, dish, and surface cleansers. Working in a fast-paced contract manufacturing environment, you will translate customer briefs into commercially viable products while ensuring stability, safety, and regulatory compliance.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

•

Product Development:

Create new formulations from scratch and improve existing ones to meet client specifications. •

Bench-to-Production Scale-Up:

Oversee the transition from small lab batches to pilot plant and full-scale manufacturing trials. •

Stability & Compatibility Testing:

Conduct rigorous testing to ensure product integrity under varying temperatures and confirm compatibility with packaging. •

Technical Troubleshooting:

Identify and resolve batching or quality issues during the manufacturing process to ensure Right-The-First-Time production. •

Raw Material Management:

Collaborate with suppliers to source innovative ingredients and identify cost-effective alternatives. •

Documentation:

Maintain detailed lab notebooks and prepare technical documents in compliance with cGMP and FDA standards. •

Client Collaboration:

Interface with sales and marketing teams to provide technical insights and updates for client projects. • Perform other regulatory compliance-related activities as assigned.

MEETING PARTICIPATION

• Any as requested.

AUTHORITY

This position reports to the VP of Research & Development.

CLASSIFICATION

This is a full-time exempt role. Your primary office location will be the Company's Watsonville, CA headquarters. The Company reserves the right to reasonably require you to perform your duties at places other than your primary office location from time to time, and to require reasonable business travel.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree with a Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on formulation experience in the personal care, home care or beauty industry, preferably within a contract manufacturing setting.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

•

Laboratory Operations:

Intimate knowledge of laboratory practices, safety compliance, and management and handling hazardous chemicals. •

Regulatory Knowledge:

Familiarity with global cosmetic regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). •

Soft Skills:

Strong analytical problem-solving, project management skills to juggle multiple client projects, and excellent communication.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• This is an on-site position based in a laboratory and manufacturing facility. • The role involves handling various raw materials and chemicals, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).