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Cosmetic Chemical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

... chemical resistance, and flame retardancy. * Specify cosmetic requirements including production ... Formally mentors associate engineers. Actively conducts peer code/design reviews of CAD models and ...

New

... chemical resistance, and flame retardancy. * Specify cosmetic requirements including production ... Formally mentors associate engineers. Actively conducts peer code/design reviews of CAD models and ...

New

... chemical resistance, and flame retardancy. * Specify cosmetic requirements including production ... Formally mentors associate engineers. Actively conducts peer code/design reviews of CAD models and ...

New

... cosmetics and OTC manufacturing. The Director will provide hands-on technical and people leadership ... Lead day-to-day QC laboratory operations, including chemical, physical, analytical, microbiological ...

... cosmetics, skincare, hair color & care, personal care, and fragrances-is sold around the world ... Lead day-to-day QC laboratory operations, including chemical, physical, analytical, microbiological ...

Cosmetic Chemical Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$38.9K

$85K

$136.1K

How much do cosmetic chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for cosmetic chemical engineer in Raleigh, NC is $85,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cosmetic chemical engineer do?

A Cosmetic Chemical Engineer applies principles of chemistry, biology, and engineering to develop, test, and improve cosmetic and personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, and makeup. They work on formulating new products, ensuring product safety and stability, and complying with industry regulations. Additionally, they may collaborate with marketing and regulatory teams to bring innovative and effective products to market.

What does a cosmetic chemical engineer do?

Cosmetic chemical engineers combine and test ingredients for cosmetics and personal care products, such as soap, shaving cream, and lotions. In this role, your responsibilities involve researching the qualities of different elements commonly used in cosmetics and developing new or tweaking established formulas for products. During the process, you evaluate the products to ensure that they meet quality and consumer safety standards as outlined by your company and government regulations. Cosmetic chemical engineers work in a research lab or manufacturing facility; they often collaborate closely with market research experts to determine the wants and needs of consumers before creating different compounds.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cosmetic chemical engineer?

To thrive as a Cosmetic Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering, cosmetic science, and product formulation, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, formulation software, and regulatory compliance systems such as FDA or EU cosmetic regulations is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills are key soft skills that distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills ensure the development of safe, effective, and innovative cosmetic products that meet industry standards and consumer needs.

How do cosmetic chemical engineers typically collaborate with product development and marketing teams during the formulation process?

Cosmetic Chemical Engineers work closely with product development teams to design and refine formulas that meet both performance and safety standards. They also coordinate with marketing teams to ensure that the product's features align with consumer trends and regulatory requirements. Regular meetings, prototype evaluations, and cross-functional brainstorming sessions are common, making strong communication skills essential. This collaborative approach ensures that new cosmetic products are not only scientifically sound but also market-ready and appealing to target customers.

What is the difference between Cosmetic Chemical Engineer vs Cosmetic Formulation Scientist?

AspectCosmetic Chemical EngineerCosmetic Formulation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field; certifications often include CIDESCO or SCC
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, quality controlLaboratories, R&D centers, testing facilities
Industry UsageDesigning manufacturing processes, ensuring product safety and qualityDeveloping and testing cosmetic formulations, improving product efficacy

Cosmetic Chemical Engineers focus on process design, manufacturing, and safety in cosmetic production, while Cosmetic Formulation Scientists specialize in creating and testing cosmetic products. Both roles require related scientific credentials and often collaborate in the cosmetic industry, but their primary responsibilities differ in process versus product development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cosmetic Chemical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Cosmetic Chemical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Cosmetic Chemical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Cosmetic Chemical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Cosmetic Chemical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Cosmetic Chemical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Cosmetic Chemical Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,044 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Staff Mechanical Engineer

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Cutera Inc.
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Position Summary:
We are seeking an exceptional Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our R&D Mechanical Engineering team and support development of novel medical devices and applications. Projects span a broad range of technologies including complex laser and optical delivery systems, high-power ultrasound, and radio-frequency devices. Our diverse technology portfolio, culture of innovation, and vertical integration provide a unique opportunity for an engineer with broad technical interests and expertise.
This position is responsible for the design and development of precision opto-mechanical assemblies, structural frames, thermal management systems, and industrial designs for advanced energy systems. The engineer will collaborate closely with Electrical, Laser, Clinical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory teams and contribute to product development from concept through product launch.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Independently model, design, and detail high-precision mechanical parts, complex sub-assemblies, and dynamic opto-mechanical systems, ensuring robust application of GD&T principles.
  • Manage and structure large SolidWorks assemblies and multi-level bills of materials (BOMs) from initial concept through pilot manufacturing.
  • Execute product development activities with a strong understanding of working within a Quality Management System (QMS) framework, ensuring all design records, engineering changes, and technical documentation strictly comply with FDA Quality System Regulations.
  • Actively participate in and support Design Controls activities, translating requirements into verifiable designs, completing component-level risk assessments (ISO 14971), and drafting protocols for design verification testing.
  • Design and optimize complex injection-molded components, ranging from small, high-precision internal parts to large aesthetic exterior housings, utilizing a strong understanding of modern medical-grade resins to ensure biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and flame retardancy.
  • Specify cosmetic requirements including production painting, texturing, and shielding coatings, ensuring compatibility with medical disinfectants and assembly environments.
  • Develop robust structural assemblies consisting of stamped or fabricated metal frames integrated with mounted custom plastic covers, using GD&T to manage tolerance stack-ups and ensure seamless fit, finish, and aesthetic alignment.
  • Act as the primary technical contact with tooling vendors and contract manufacturing partners.
  • Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) feedback loops to optimize tool designs, mold flow analyses, and assembly workflows.
  • Design and build custom test fixtures, write detailed verification test procedures, and execute testing scenarios to validate part and assembly performance. Troubleshoot mechanical failures or deviations during developmental and pilot production phases.
  • Demonstrates a high degree of autonomy. Independently manages and owns major subsystems from initial concept through design verification testing.
  • Formally mentors associate engineers. Actively conducts peer code/design reviews of CAD models and drawings to ensure GD&T principles are applied correctly.
  • Routinely presents subsystem design progress and technical challenges to R&D management; translates complex mechanical concepts into clear, actionable project status updates.
  • Leads technical design reviews for their assigned subsystems. Collaborates closely with Systems, Electrical, and Embedded Software engineers to align on electrical-mechanical interfaces and actuator requirements.
  • Translates high-level system requirements into specific mechanical requirements. Evaluates and manages risk files (FMEA) for complete subsystems and assists in defining sub-assembly testing protocols for design verification.
  • Other duties as needed or required.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; graduate degree preferred.
  • 4-9+ years of relevant mechanical design experience, preferably in medical devices, lasers, or capital equipment.
  • 5+ years of CAD design experience; SolidWorks preferred.
  • Extensive knowledge of manufacturing technologies, including injection molding, sheet metal fabrication, and high-precision machining.
  • Experience designing and assembling miniature optical components using solder, adhesives, and advanced fastening techniques for laser applications.
  • Experience collaborating with clinical personnel to develop medical devices that meet ergonomic and usability requirements.
  • Experience designing, assembling, and testing rapid-turn prototypes using rapid prototyping, machining, and off-the-shelf components.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T principles and their application to precision mechanical designs.
  • Experience using FEA simulation tools and correlating simulation results with empirical test data.
  • Experience designing thermal management systems, including air- and water-cooled heat exchangers and thermoelectric coolers.
  • Experience designing actuation assemblies, such as laser beam scanning systems and translation and rotation stages.
  • Experience designing opto-mechanical assemblies, including strain-free optical mounting techniques using adhesives.
  • Familiarity with FDA Quality System Regulations, Design Controls, IEC 60601, and/or ISO 14971 Risk Management requirements.
  • Working knowledge of electronics, optics, and numerical data analysis tools such as Excel, MATLAB, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with thermal FEA tools.
  • Experience with data acquisition systems such as LabVIEW.
  • Experience developing laser or energy-based medical devices.