Senior Formulator Sun Care

The Opportunity

Based in Darien, Illinois, and reporting to the Technical Director, the Senior Formulator plays a critical role in translating specialty ingredient technologies into commercially relevant formulation solutions that support the company’s customer engagement and innovation pipeline. This hands-on position is responsible for developing Sun Care prototype formulations and completing in vitro testing that highlights key performance attributes. This role delivers high-impact technical services and support, including formulation support and predictive in vitro testing, executes targeted application studies, and communicates results through clear technical reporting and customer-facing presentation materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop customer-driven and innovation-support prototype formulations (mineral, organic and hybrid; global UV filter package design), including concept design, formulation creation, stability tracking, performance testing (in vitro SPF and water resistance testing, etc) and communication of ingredient performance and differentiation aligned with market trends and business priorities
• Act as a key commercial–technical interface, ensuring all formulation work is aligned with market needs, trends, and strategic objectives
• Provide formulation guidance and troubleshooting to customers, including ingredient integration, system optimization, and performance enhancement
• Manage and execute predictive SPF screening to support customer projects and internal formulation development, ensuring accurate data generation, interpretation, and application.
• Translate predictive SPF results into actionable formulation recommendations
• Prepare concise technical reports
• Develop PowerPoint slide decks and technical presentations for customer meetings, innovation showcases, and internal reviews
• Maintain accurate formulation documentation, specifications, and lab records

Qualifications

• B.S. in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 7+ years of hands-on formulation experience in personal care or specialty ingredients
• Demonstrated experience supporting customer-driven development in a B2B or ingredient supplier environment.
• Proven ability to translate technical concepts into clear reports and compelling presentations.

Technical Expertise and Competencies

• Deep understanding of structure-property relationships for emulsions, surfactants, polymers, rheology modifiers, and preservative systems
• Experience with organic and mineral global UV filters
• Familiarity with stability, compatibility, and application testing methods
• Innovation and formulation problem-solving
• Customer-centric mindset demonstrated through occasional customer interaction, presentations, and technical support engagement
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Project management and cross-function collaboration skills
• Commitment to safety, quality, and data integrity in a fast-paced R&D environment