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Senior Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Formulation Chemist will lead the development of innovative skincare, haircare, body care, color cosmetics, and hybrid beauty formulations from concept through commercialization. This ...

Position Summary The Junior Formulation Chemist will support the Senior Formulation Chemist in developing innovative cosmetic formulations while gaining hands-on experience across all stages of ...

Position Summary The Senior Formulation Chemist will lead the formulation development of innovative skincare, haircare, body care, color cosmetics, and hybrid beauty products from concept through ...

The Junior Formulation Chemist will support the Senior Formulation Chemist in developing innovative cosmetic formulations while gaining hands-on experience across all stages of product development.

Formulation Chemist

Middletown, VA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Scientist II - Chemistry / Formulation Chemist Location: Middletown, VA - 22645 Duration: 6 Months ... Monday to Friday 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM Summary We are seeking a senior Chemist to assist our clients ...

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Senior Formulation Chemist information

See salary details

$35K

$87.7K

$148K

How much do senior formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior 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 Senior Formulation Chemist vs Formulation Chemist?

AspectSenior Formulation ChemistFormulation Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related field; 3+ years experienceBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field; entry-level to 2 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, production lines, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, cosmetics, food, and chemical industriesSimilar industries, often as entry or mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Formulation Chemist and a Formulation Chemist lies in experience and responsibility. Senior Formulation Chemists typically have more years of experience, handle complex formulations, and may oversee projects or junior staff. Formulation Chemists are often entry to mid-level roles focused on developing and testing formulations under supervision. Both roles are essential in R&D and manufacturing within chemical-related industries.

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

To thrive as a Senior Formulation Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with an advanced degree and experience in product formulation. Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, analytical techniques (such as HPLC or GC), and familiarity with regulatory compliance systems is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure the development of high-quality, compliant products and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are Senior Formulation Chemists?

Senior Formulation Chemists are experienced scientists who design, develop, and optimize chemical formulations for products in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and cleaning products. They are responsible for creating stable and effective mixtures by selecting appropriate raw materials and evaluating product performance. In addition to laboratory research, they often lead projects, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and quality standards.

How does a Senior Formulation Chemist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

A Senior Formulation Chemist often works closely with teams such as R&D, quality assurance, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs throughout the product development process. They may participate in project meetings to discuss formulation challenges, provide technical expertise on ingredient compatibility, and ensure that formulations meet both performance and regulatory standards. Collaboration is key to troubleshooting issues, scaling up production, and delivering products that align with customer and business needs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential in this dynamic environment, as chemists must translate complex scientific concepts for colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
More about Senior Formulation Chemist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Formulation Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Formulation Chemist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation Chemist jobs? The most popular types of Formulation Chemist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Formulation Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Formulation Chemist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Formulation Chemist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Formulation Chemist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior 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.

Senior Formulation Chemist

Capsum

Del Valle, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

At Capsum, a key innovative contract manufacturer in the cosmetics industry, Passion & Innovation are expressed in everything we do: through our patented technologies, custom-built machines, original formulations, and creative concepts.


Our enthusiastic and dedicated teams design and sustainably manufacture innovative and effective beauty products for brands.

As part of our ongoing growth, we are looking for a Senior Formulation Chemist on a full-time contract.


The Senior Formulation Chemist will lead the development of innovative skincare, haircare, body care, color cosmetics, and hybrid beauty formulations from concept through commercialization.

This individual will serve as a technical leader within the laboratory while mentoring junior chemists and collaborating closely with Manufacturing to ensure seamless scale-up and technology transfer.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced scientist looking to contribute to an innovation-driven organization.


RESPONSIBILITIES


  • Lead formulation development across multiple product categories
  • Design innovative formulations utilizing emerging technologies and ingredients
  • Conduct formulation optimization and troubleshooting
  • Evaluate ingredient compatibility and performance
  • Develop laboratory batches and manufacturing procedures
  • Support pilot batches and production scale-up
  • Work directly with clients during formulation presentations and technical discussions
  • Interpret stability, compatibility, and performance data
  • Collaborate with Packaging, Regulatory, Quality, and Manufacturing teams
  • Maintain detailed laboratory documentation
  • Stay informed on emerging ingredient technologies and market trends
  • Mentor Junior Formulation Chemists
  • Support intellectual property generation and innovation initiatives


QUALIFICATIONS


  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
  • 8–10 years of cosmetic formulation experience
  • Extensive experience in skincare and haircare formulation development
  • Strong understanding of emulsions, surfactants, polymers, rheology, preservatives, and active ingredient technologies
  • Experience scaling formulations from laboratory to commercial manufacturing
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills
  • Strong communication, presentation, and client-facing skills


PRACTICAL INFORMATION


  • Compensation: Based on experience
  • Location: Del Valle (Austin), Texas
  • Specific requirements: Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and comply with all safety and quality guidelines
  • Capsum is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities. We evaluate all applicants fairly based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and alignment with our values, without discrimination