R&D Senior Chemist - Manufacturing

Overview
A growing personal care manufacturer is seeking an experienced R&D (Aerosol) Senior Chemist to support the development and optimization of aerosol-based beauty and personal care products.

This role is ideal for a hands-on formulation chemist with strong experience in aerosol product development, cosmetic formulations, and manufacturing scale-up. The position offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle - from concept and formulation through production support and process optimization.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, technically driven, and comfortable managing multiple formulation projects within a fast-paced laboratory environment.

The Role

The R&D Aerosol Chemist will lead formulation development for aerosol cosmetic and personal care products, including hair care, skin care, and styling products.

This role requires expertise in aerosol systems, formulation chemistry, raw materials, and manufacturing processes, along with the ability to independently manage projects and collaborate cross-functionally with quality, manufacturing, purchasing, and sales teams.

Success in this role means delivering stable, high-performing formulations while supporting efficient scale-up and production processes.

Responsibilities

Formulation & Product Development

• Develop and optimize aerosol cosmetic and personal care formulations
• Work independently to manage multiple R&D projects and timelines
• Formulate products including mousses, hairsprays, conditioners, dry shampoos, gels, emulsions, serums, and spray waxes
• Evaluate formulation performance, stability, and functional characteristics
• Reverse engineer aerosol products and analyze components such as valves, actuators, cans, propellants, and concentrates
• Optimize aerosol systems for product performance and consumer use
• Conduct stability testing to evaluate shelf life and product integrity
• Prepare approved formulations for quality control standards, production samples, and sales support

Raw Materials & Supplier Coordination

• Communicate with raw material suppliers regarding new ingredients, product availability, and formulation support
• Coordinate technical documentation including COAs and MSDS/SDS documentation
• Work with valve and component manufacturers to troubleshoot or improve product functionality

Manufacturing & Scale-Up Support

• Support pilot batches and initial production runs to ensure successful product scale-up
• Develop manufacturing procedures, batch specifications, and finished product specifications
• Provide technical specifications related to aerosol filling and production processes
• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to optimize production efficiency
• Support troubleshooting related to aerosol filling lines and production issues

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain detailed laboratory documentation and formulation records
• Enter formulas, procedures, and specifications into internal databases
• Communicate project timelines and updates with internal teams including sales and operations

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific field (or equivalent industry experience)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in an aerosol cosmetic laboratory environment
• Strong experience with aerosol formulation development within cosmetics or personal care products
• Knowledge of hair care and skin care formulation technologies
• Experience with aerosol packaging components including valves, actuators, cans, and propellant systems
• Understanding of aerosol filling equipment and safe handling procedures
• Knowledge of CGMP standards and cosmetic manufacturing processes
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities independently

Nice to Have

• Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up and production troubleshooting
• Exposure to supplier coordination and raw material sourcing
• Familiarity with product stability testing and shelf-life evaluation

Salary

Competitive compensation based on experience

Location

Rantoul, IL. On-site

Benefits

Competitive benefits package with opportunities for long-term growth within a product development and manufacturing environment.