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Formulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Formulation Technician

Fremont, CA

$33 - $34/hr

Formulation Technician The Formulation Technician prepares, tests, and optimizes chemical solutions and formulations in a laboratory environment. This role focuses on developing new and improved ...

Kinetic Personnel Group

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Formulation Support

Tustin, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Job Summary The Formulation Support Associate provides technical and operational support for formulation development activities in a biopharmaceutical environment. This role assists in preparing ...

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 ...

Orion Group

Formulation Chemist - III

Orange, CA · On-site

$46 - $50/hr

Formulation Chemist - III $46 - $50/hr with medical benefits available at a cost 2 year contract 100 % onsite in Irvine, CA M- F 8 am to 5 pm Orion Project Services and our largest US client are ...

Actalent

Formulation Technician

Fremont, CA

$33 - $34/hr

Formulation Technician Prepare chemical solutions and formulations based on standardized or experimental protocols. Conduct synthesis and blending of raw materials to create new or improved chemical ...

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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 Jul 14, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,866 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Scientist, Biologics Formulation

Scientist, Biologics Formulation

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

About Varda
Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda's W-Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated by Varda in-house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C-PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses.
From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.
Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.
Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
About This Role
Our pharmaceutical team is looking for a highly motivated early-career Scientist to join our Biologics Formulation team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to next-generation protein formulation development while working with cutting-edge high-throughput automation technologies in a fast-paced startup environment.
As a Scientist, you will execute and optimize protein formulation protocols across liquid and solid dosage forms, supporting the development of high concentration biologics and advanced systems. You will play a key role in establishing automated workflows and maintaining robust data management practices as the team scales its capabilities.
Responsibilities
Formulation Development & Execution
  • Execute protein formulation experiments for liquid and solid dosage forms, including excipient screening, pH optimization, and stability assessment
  • Prepare and characterize high concentration protein formulations and evaluate formulation stability under various conditions
  • Support development of advanced formulation
  • Perform routine analytical characterization using techniques such as DLS, DSF, CE, and spectroscopy
High-Throughput Automation & Data Management
  • Develop, optimize, and validate automated liquid handling protocols for high-throughput formulation screening
  • Program and maintain automated equipment workflows, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement process improvements
  • Design and execute plate-based experimental layouts for parallel formulation studies
  • Maintain comprehensive electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation with rigorous data integrity standards
  • Organize, analyze, and visualize large datasets from high-throughput experiments using appropriate software tools
Collaboration & Communication
  • Work independently on assigned projects while maintaining clear communication with team members
  • Present experimental results and progress updates in team meetings
  • Contribute to technical reports, SOPs, and regulatory documentation
  • Adapt quickly to changing priorities and deliver results within startup timelines
Basic Qualifications
  • PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomaterials, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Hands-on experience with protein formulation and characterization techniques
  • Strong foundation in protein chemistry and physical biochemistry principles
  • Proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism, Python, or R)
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with strong organizational skills Experience with electronic lab notebooks and structured data management
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Skills And Experience
  • Industry experience in biopharmaceutical formulation development
  • Experience with liquid handling automation platforms (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman)
  • Familiarity with protein crystallization techniques
  • Knowledge of lyophilization, spray drying, or other solid-state processing methods
  • Experience in startup or fast-paced R&D environments
  • Programming experience for data analysis and visualization (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
What We Offer
  • Opportunity to work at the intersection of biotechnology and space manufacturing
  • Hands-on experience establishing high-throughput formulation capabilities
  • Collaborative team environment with mentorship from senior scientists
  • Professional development opportunities in a rapidly growing company
Pay Range
  • Salary range: $100,000 - $140,000/per year
  • This role is on-sitein El Segundo, CA
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
  • You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

Benefits
Varda offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial well-being, and a high-quality workplace experience. Below is an overview of what full-time employees receive (at this time, interns receive a subset of benefits):
Health & Wellness
  • Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
  • 100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer-matched HSA options
  • Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
  • $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
  • 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
  • Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
  • Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents

Financial & Retirement
  • Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start-up
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
  • $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
  • Relocation support for new hires, if needed

Workplace Experience & Perks
  • Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and mission-success celebrations
  • Complimentary EV charging

ITAR Requirements
Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
"US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
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Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

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