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Formulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TechData Service Company LLC

Be Seen First

Formulation Scientist

Alameda, CA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Contract Role 100 % Onsite The Senior Scientist I will be responsible for early and late stage drug product development activities ranging from formulation, process development, optimization, and ...

SV Labs Corporation

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 ...

SV Labs Corporation

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 ...

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All JobsFormulation JobsFormulation Jobs in California

Formulation information

See California salary details

$14

$22

$41

How much do formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation in California is $22.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a formulation scientist do?

A formulation scientist is responsible for developing and optimizing mixtures of ingredients to create products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food items. They ensure that the formulated product is stable, effective, and meets quality standards. This role involves research, testing, and collaboration with other scientists to bring safe and effective products to market. Formulation scientists often work in laboratory settings and are involved in scaling up production from small batches to mass manufacturing.

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

To thrive as a Formulation Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, formulation development software, and regulatory standards such as GMP is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant development of new products in industries like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in formulation roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in formulation often encounter challenges such as achieving product stability, optimizing ingredient compatibility, and ensuring regulatory compliance. These issues require strong problem-solving skills, continuous testing, and close collaboration with analytical, quality assurance, and regulatory teams. Staying up-to-date with new ingredients, technologies, and industry standards can help address these challenges and support successful product development. Open communication and teamwork are also essential in troubleshooting and refining formulations.

What is the difference between Formulation vs Chemist?

AspectFormulationChemist
Required CredentialsDegree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldDegree in Chemistry or Chemical Sciences
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, R&D centersLaboratories, research facilities, industrial settings
Industry UsageProduct development, formulation of compounds, cosmetics, pharmaceuticalsResearch, analysis, testing, and development of chemical substances
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Formulation specialists focus on developing and optimizing product recipes, while chemists conduct research and analysis of chemical substances. Both roles require chemistry degrees and often work in similar environments, but formulation emphasizes product development, whereas chemists may work more on research and testing.

What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation jobs in California? The most popular types of Formulation jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Formulation jobs in California? For Formulation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Formulation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Formulation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Formulation jobs? Cities in California with the most Formulation job openings:
Formulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Formulation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,866 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Formulation Scientist

Formulation Scientist

TechData Service Company LLC

Alameda, CA • On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental

Posted 4 days ago

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Job description

Contract Role
100 % Onsite


The Senior Scientist I will be responsible for early and late stage drug product development activities ranging from formulation, process development, optimization, and scale-up of small molecule oral dosage form. This individual will oversee and coordinate activities in lab and provide support in technology transfer, scale-up, process validation, and commercialization. This individual must have a “take charge”, “lead by example” attitude, and excellent communication skills. The applicant also must possess a solid track record of working in a high potency lab, deep underlying technical problem-solving skills and creative thinking in small molecule oral solid dosage form development. He/she will be working in a fast pace internal/external cross functional team environment, be able to present technical data to leadership team, and support manufacturing of CTM batches at third party manufacturers for early and late stage programs.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities

  • Develop oral solid dosage form for oncology products using various formulation technologies.
  • Design formulation development studies including lab scale and scale-up manufacturing processes for oral solid dosage form.
  • Identify, critical quality attributes and process parameters and implement appropriate process controls for the manufacturing process.
  • Work in high potency lab using PAPR and appropriate lab safety procedures.
  • Troubleshooting skills in formulation/process issues for oral solid dosage forms.
  • Apply methodical approach in selection of vehicles, excipients and/or new technologies appropriate to prepare formulations of novel investigational small molecules to support non-clinical studies.
  • Apply statistical design of experiments to optimize and scale-up formulations and manufacturing process.
  • Knowledge of enabling technologies such as solid dispersion, lipid or microemulsion, oral liquid formulation is a plus.
  • Participation in project teams and internal/external collaborations, and preparation and review of regulatory/CMC documents.
  • Possess excellent writing and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.

Company Description

www.techdataservice.com