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Preformulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Preformulation and formulation development * Manufacturing process development * Process scale-up, technology transfer, and process optimization * Process validation and commercial manufacturing ...

New

QC Chemist I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $72K/yr

QC Chemist I About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an early-phase development facility supporting small-molecule and peptide programs from preformulation through cGMP clinical manufacturing for ...

Washroom Operator I About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an early-phase development facility supporting small-molecule and peptide programs from preformulation through cGMP clinical ...

QC Chemist I About Site Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an earlyphase development facility supporting smallmolecule and peptide programs from preformulation through cGMP clinical manufacturing for ...

Showing results 21-32

Preformulation information

See California salary details

$24

$36

$47

How much do preformulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for preformulation in California is $36.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.66 and $41.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a preformulation?

A Preformulation job involves studying the physical, chemical, and biological properties of drug compounds to guide formulation development. Scientists in this role assess solubility, stability, and compatibility with excipients to ensure the drug's efficacy and manufacturability. Their work helps optimize formulation strategies, reducing risks in later development stages. Preformulation specialists collaborate with analytical, formulation, and regulatory teams to support drug development from early research to clinical trials.

What are the typical responsibilities of a preformulation scientist in a pharmaceutical company?

Preformulation scientists are responsible for investigating and characterizing the physical and chemical properties of drug candidates to inform formulation strategies. They conduct experiments to assess solubility, stability, compatibility, and other key parameters, often collaborating closely with formulation development, analytical, and process engineering teams. Daily tasks may include designing experiments, analyzing data, preparing technical reports, and presenting findings in multidisciplinary meetings. This role is critical for de-risking the formulation process, ensuring optimal drug performance, and facilitating smooth project progression from preclinical through to clinical development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the preformulation position, and why are they important?

To succeed in a Preformulation role, you need a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, physical chemistry, and analytical techniques, typically supported by a relevant degree (such as pharmacy, chemistry, or pharmaceutical sciences). Experience with laboratory instrumentation like HPLC, DSC, and particle size analyzers, as well as familiarity with regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH, FDA), is essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills set outstanding candidates apart, as they frequently collaborate across R&D, formulation, and analytical teams. These competencies are vital because preformulation scientists lay the groundwork for successful drug development by characterizing compounds and anticipating formulation challenges early in the process.

What cities in California are hiring for Preformulation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Preformulation job openings:

Infographic showing various Preformulation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $75,972 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Catalent rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Washroom Operator I

About Site

Catalent's San Diego, CA site is an earlyphase development facility supporting smallmolecule and peptide programs from preformulation through cGMP clinical manufacturing for oral and injectable dosage forms. The 68,000squarefoot site is a center of excellence for spraydrying and bioavailabilityenhancement technologies, with integrated capabilities to advance challenging compounds rapidly into the clinic.

Position Summary

We have an opportunity for a Washroom Operator I to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for executing equipment cleaning with a strong focus on disassembly and accountability of equipment parts within the washroom. You will work as part of the Equipment Team, collaborating with multiple departments across the organization. This position requires excellent communication, organization, and time management skills to ensure high-quality standards and teamwork.

Shift: Monday - Friday 2 PM - 10:30 PM
Location: San Diego, CA
100% Onsite

The Role

  • Support disassembly of manufacturing equipment prior to cleaning

  • Prepare solutions for manufacturing equipment cleaning

  • Participate in manufacturing equipment cleaning

  • Maintain accountability of equipment parts throughout the cleaning process

  • Maintain organization and cleanliness of the washroom

  • Support re-stocking of washroom supplies

  • Maintain accuracy within the SIMON database with equipment activity updates

  • Support cleaning of the Equipment Storage Areas

  • Maintain a high-quality standard of work and encourage strong teamwork and morale

  • Other duties as assigned

The Candidate

Minimum Requirements

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required

  • Knowledgeable with computer programs Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook

  • Knowledgeable in use of all basic hand tools

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instruction (oral and written)

  • On an average 8-hour day this position requires the ability to walk, sit and stand, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms at or above shoulder height and below waist height, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear, smell and lift up to 40 pounds. Specific vision requirements including reading of written documents, visual inspection of materials and use of PPE/respirator frequently

Preferred Skills & Background

  • Experience in a GMP environment preferred

Pay

The anticipated hourly rate for this position in CA is $40,000 - $46,000. The final hourly rate offered to a successful candidate may vary, and will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, skillset, education, business needs, etc. Catalent is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

Why You Should Join Catalent

  • Positive and fast-paced working environment focusing on continually improving processes to remain innovative and dynamic

  • Competitive Paid Time Off plus 10 paid holidays

  • Medical, dental and vision benefits effective day one of employment

  • Tuition Reimbursement - support to finish your degree or earn a new one

  • Site-based Employee Engagement activities such as Movie Day, Annual Blues Fest, Free Bagel Fridays and more

  • Employee Resource Groups focusing on Diversity and Inclusion

  • Environmentally friendly, community engagement green initiatives including regularly participating in Beach Clean-up

  • Defined career path and annual performance review and feedback process with potential for career growth

  • WellHub program to promote overall physical wellness including onsite fitness center, yoga classes and company sponsored community sports teams

  • Perkspot offers exclusive or private discounts from approximately 900+ merchants in a wide array of categories

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to DisabilityAccommodations@catalent.com. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

Important Security Notice to U.S. Job Seekers:

Catalent NEVER asks candidates to provide any type of payment, bank details, photocopies of identification, social security number or other highly sensitive personal information during the offer process, and we NEVER do so via email or social media. If you receive any such request, DO NOT respond- it is a fraudulent request. Please forward such requests to spam@catalent.com for us to investigate with local authorities.

California Job Seekers can find our California Job Applicant Notice HERE.


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About Catalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.Catalent is committed to the health and safety of its employees, visitors and the customers and patients we serve.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Somerset, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

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