Job Description

PAULA’S CHOICE IS YOUR RIGHT CHOICE!

Paula’s Choice Skincare is a multinational brand that is 25 years strong!  Our vision is to empower and enable people around the world with highly effective products and in-depth knowledge to achieve their own definition of beautiful.   We question ingredients, follow the facts and stand up for the customer, because we’re in this journey together.

HOW YOU’LL HAVE AN IMPACT AT PAULA’S CHOICE:  The Research & Innovation team leads the discovery and development of new innovation and technology, and the creation of skincare development in our internal formulation lab and with external partners. 

As the R&D Process Engineer, you will help drive our CLEAN initiatives and product improvements through the development and scale-up process. You will also drive the discovery and implementation of innovation through new processes manufacturing.

If you’re an experienced engineer skilled in creative thinking, problem solving, building relationships, and have a passion for skincare, we would love to hear from you!

Product Development at Paula’s Choice is R&D lead and starts with the science and is driven by what is truly safe and effective for skin. You will have a unique opportunity to spearhead new innovation and work on blue sky concepts.              

AS A R&D PROCESS ENGINEER, A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE A MIX OF THE FOLLOWING:

• DEVELOPMENT: REFORMULATIONS & FORMULA CHANGES AT CONTRACT MANUFACTURERS
  1. Drive the technical development of all reformulations and formula changes of current products in partnership with the Project Management team:
     • Participate in the project kick-off meetings with internal and external teams.
     • Evaluate and provide technical direction on prototypes throughout development to ensure aesthetics, effectiveness, target cost, stability, and overall quality.
     • Help troubleshoot formula & stability issues. 
     • Make cost saving and lead-time reducing suggestions.
     • Review all preliminary testing on prototypes.
     • Review and approve stability reports.
     • Work with Quality to finalize the Product Specifications.
• DISCOVERY & IDEATION:
  1. Lead the concept development, design, invention, and execution of new process manufacturing. 
  2. Stay abreast with current developments, innovations and technologies that may improve products and manufacturing processes.
  3. Interface with Research & Innovation during the implementation of new technologies regarding advances in manufacturing processes. 
  4. Source materials and prepare technical product briefs for formula changes.
• SCALE-UP:
  1. Lead formula scale-up of lab batches to pilot and production sizes for all new products and reformulations. Verify formula reproducibility prior to production.
  2. Partner with our contract manufacturers to develop rigorous and repeatable manufacturing instructions at scale-up and through the first few production batches.

   

• TECH TRANSFERS & DUAL SOURCING
  1. Assist Quality & Operations with tech transfers, raw material discontinuations, and dual sourcing:
     • Review formula submissions and make recommendation for approval or rework.
     • Help troubleshoot formula & stability issues. 
     • Make recommendations for material and processing changes.
• OTHER:
  1. Work with R&D and Procurement to implement ingredient cost saving initiatives and second source material replacements. 
  2. Support the Quality team when needed to troubleshoot quality Issues by reviewing batch records and formula compositions. 
  3. Maintain a general understanding of OTC and global regulatory requirements related to raw materials and product formulations.
  4. Other responsibilities as assigned by your manager.

THE DETAILS: 

Location: We are based in Seattle, but open to this role being fully remote

Hours: Typical business hours, with some flexibility required due to travel

Physical requirements: Ability to both sit and handle screen time for long periods of time   

Travel requirements: Up to 60% domestic travel

Qualifications

What you’ll bring to the table:

• 7+ years engineering experience in cosmetic manufacturing or equivalent experience working closely with Process Engineering through scale up of formulations.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Chemistry, or a related science field, or equivalent work experience 
• A working knowledge of formula scale up and manufacturing equipment.
• Strong knowledge of personal care ingredients, chemistry, product stability, and manufacturing processes
• Experience and expertise evaluating prototypes for aesthetics, appearance, stability, etc. against the standard.
• Strong understanding of product quality related issues
• Experience and training with GMP guidelines.
• Skilled user of the Microsoft Office suite of products.
• A high proficiency in of troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Strong organization and attention to detail  
• Outstanding oral and written communication  
• Self-sufficient and able to work independently, as well as in team settings. 

What can help you really stand out:

• 10+ years engineering experience in cosmetic manufacturing or equivalent experience working closely with Process Engineering through scale up of formulations. 
• Experience formulating skin care products.
• General understanding of global regulatory formula requirements
• Working knowledge of Smartsheet 

What we offer you:

• A robust benefits package including health, vision, dental, retirement and more
• Transportation stipend, gym membership and more
• Product samples and discounts
• Generous PTO
• Great location – we’re in the heart of Seattle’s beautiful International District
• Exceptional environment – we work hard and celebrate our accomplishments.  You might catch our teams riding the Seattle Ducks, at Mariner’s games or connecting at happy hours
• Did we mention we’re a dog-friendly office?