The R&D Aerosol Chemist is responsible for the formulation, development, scale-up, and technical support of aerosol personal care products. This role designs and executes experiments, selects raw materials and packaging components (valves/actuators/cans) and partners cross-functionally with Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and Marketing to deliver safe, complaint, and high-performing products from concept through commercialization.

Essential functions:

• Develop and optimize aerosol formulations, including propellant selection (hydrocarbon, compressed gas, DME, etc.), solvent systems, resins/polymers, surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, fragrances, and actives.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments using DOE/structured problem-solving to meet performance, stability, safety, and cost targets.
• Evaluate and select aerosol packaging components (can, valve, actuator, dip tube, gaskets) to ensure compatibility, spray characteristics, and consumer experience.
• Conduct and interpret analytical and performance testing (e.g., viscosity, pH, density, particle size, spray pattern, delivery rate, can pressure, flammability screening, corrosion/compatibility, stability/aging).
• Prepare technical documentation including formulas, batch records, specifications, SDS inputs, test methods, and technical reports.
• Support pilot and plant trials: write trial protocols, provide on-site technical support, troubleshoot line issues, and finalize scale-up parameters.
• Investigate and resolve product/process nonconformances and customer complaints using root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Procurement and suppliers to qualify new raw materials and packaging components; manage change control and requalification activities.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices, including safe handling of flammable propellants/solvents, pressure systems, and waste management.
• Contribute to innovation pipeline by scouting technologies, benchmarking competitive products, and proposing new concepts.
• Ensure compliance with all cGMPs, SOPs, and regulatory requirements including FDA, OSHA, and company quality standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Experience developing consumer aerosol products and/or industrial/specialty aerosols.
• Familiarity with VOC compliance frameworks and aerosol regulations/standards and basic transportation classification concepts.
• Experience with stability programs, compatibility/corrosion testing, and failure analysis.
• Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up and commercialization in a GMP/ISO environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in related scientific field or equivalent experience in cosmetic industry.
• 2+ years of formulation or product development experience (aerosol experience strongly preferred).
• Hands-on laboratory skills with formulation, bench-top testing, and data analysis.
• Working knowledge of aerosol components and basic fluid/spray behavior (valves, actuators, propellants, pressure relationships).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is primarily performed in a laboratory and office environment; occasional time in pilot/production areas.
• Must be able to handle and dispense chemicals and aerosols, including flammable solvents/propellants, using required PPE.
• May require lifting/moving containers and samples up to 50 lbs.
• May require standing for extended periods during testing or plant trials.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position may be designated as safety-sensitive and may require pre-employment and ongoing drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. This job description does not constitute an employment contract and may be modified to meet business needs.