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Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

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 ...

About the Role The Soft Product Formulation Chemist will support the global development of new products and enhance our existing personal care portfolio for Mammoth Brands. In close collaboration ...

About the Role The Soft Product Formulation Chemist will support the global development of new products and enhance our existing personal care portfolio for Mammoth Brands. In close collaboration ...

R&D Formulation Chemist

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Overview The R&D Formulation Chemist role offers an exciting opportunity to create sorbents or active packaging products for pharma/food markets using marketing/sales input. The individual will ...

Position Summary: Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses and/or chemical experiments in laboratories for quality or process control. Assist in developing new products or knowledge as ...

Position Summary: Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses and/or chemical experiments in laboratories for quality or process control. Assist in developing new products or knowledge as ...

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Formulation Chemist information

See salary details

$35K

$87.7K

$148K

How much do formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for formulation chemist in the United States is $87,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Formulation Chemist vs Analytical Chemist?

AspectFormulation ChemistAnalytical Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on product development and formulationLaboratories focused on testing and analyzing samples
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and consumer goods companiesQuality control labs, research institutions, manufacturing plants
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Formulation Chemists focus on developing and optimizing product formulations, while Analytical Chemists specialize in testing and analyzing samples to ensure quality and compliance. Both roles require strong chemistry backgrounds and often work together in product development and quality assurance processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Formulation Chemist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Formulation Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Proficiency in laboratory techniques, analytical instruments (such as HPLC, GC, or spectrophotometry), and familiarity with regulatory standards like GMP are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively and ensure product quality. These capabilities are crucial for developing stable, effective formulations that meet safety, efficacy, and regulatory requirements.

What are formulation chemists?

Formulation chemists are scientists who design and develop mixtures of chemicals to create products with specific properties and functions. They work across industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and agriculture, ensuring that formulations are stable, effective, and safe. Their role involves research, testing, and quality control to optimize product performance and comply with regulatory standards. Formulation chemists collaborate with other scientists and engineers to bring new products from concept to market.

What Is a Formulation Chemist?

A formulation chemist helps in the product testing and development of pharmaceuticals or household products, like cleaners, cosmetics, and soaps. Your duties include mixing different agents or compounds and performing tests, such as UV tests, to determine product safety and potential for use. Some formulation chemists work in other industries such as the oil and gas industry where they inspect octane levels for car fuel. You might also find work as a cosmetic chemist where you test makeup and perfumes. Others work in the food industry, testing and creating ingredients and flavor additives.

What are some typical challenges a Formulation Chemist faces when working on new product development?

Formulation Chemists often encounter challenges such as balancing the stability, efficacy, and safety of new products while meeting regulatory requirements and cost constraints. They must troubleshoot issues like ingredient incompatibilities, unexpected chemical reactions, or scale-up difficulties when moving from lab to production. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and manufacturing, is essential to address these challenges and ensure a successful product launch.
What cities are hiring for Formulation Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Formulation Chemist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation Chemist jobs? The most popular types of Formulation Chemist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Formulation Chemist jobs? The top employers for Formulation Chemist jobs are:
What states have the most Formulation Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Formulation Chemist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Formulation Chemist jobs? For Formulation Chemist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Formulation Chemist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,733 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Formulation Chemist

Formulation Chemist

SV Labs Corporation

Watsonville, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

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).