Job Summary
Production Operator / Cosmetic Chemist (Skincare Formulation)
Job Summary
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Production Operator / Cosmetic Chemist to join our growing team in the manufacturing of natural and skincare products. This is a hands-on role combining production operations with product formulation, process improvement, and technical troubleshooting.
The ideal candidate has experience in cosmetic manufacturing, understands skincare formulation principles, and is comfortable working both in the laboratory and on the production floor. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and improving formulations, scaling products from lab to production, manufacturing batches, troubleshooting production issues, and ensuring products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Manufacturing
- Accurately weigh, measure, and mix raw materials according to approved formulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Operate manufacturing equipment including mixers, homogenizers, filling equipment, and other production machinery.
- Manufacture skincare products while ensuring batch consistency, quality, and production efficiency.
- Maintain accurate batch records, production logs, and manufacturing documentation.
- Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), health and safety regulations, and sanitation procedures.
- Assist with equipment setup, calibration, cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Support warehouse activities including inventory management, receiving raw materials, and material handling when required.
Formulation & Product Development
- Develop, improve, and scale formulations for natural skincare, facial serums, creams, lotions, cleansers, toners, facial mists, body care, and other cosmetic products.
- Evaluate new raw materials and recommend suitable ingredient substitutions when required.
- Conduct laboratory batches, pilot batches, and production scale-up trials.
- Optimize formulations for stability, viscosity, appearance, fragrance compatibility, pH, and performance.
- Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing issues including separation, instability, viscosity changes, discoloration, precipitation, and filling challenges.
- Collaborate with production to resolve process issues and improve manufacturing efficiency.
- Prepare formulation documentation, manufacturing instructions, specifications, and technical reports.
Quality & Regulatory
- Perform in-process quality control checks including pH, viscosity, appearance, specific gravity, and stability observations.
- Assist with product stability testing and compatibility testing.
- Ensure formulations comply with Health Canada cosmetic requirements and applicable cosmetic regulations.
- Support preparation of product documentation including ingredient listings (INCI), specifications, CNF information, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as required.
- Maintain confidentiality of proprietary formulations and manufacturing processes.
Qualifications
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in cosmetic, skincare, personal care, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing.
- Experience formulating skincare and natural cosmetic products.
- Strong understanding of emulsions, surfactants, preservatives, botanical extracts, active ingredients, and formulation compatibility.
- Experience with laboratory equipment and production manufacturing equipment.
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Understanding of cosmetic regulations, ingredient nomenclature (INCI), and basic Health Canada requirements is an asset.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Forklift certification is an asset but not required.
Preferred Skills
- Experience scaling formulations from laboratory to commercial production.
- Knowledge of stability testing and preservative systems.
- Familiarity with cosmetic quality control testing.
- Experience with production planning and inventory management.
- Ability to identify process improvements that increase efficiency while maintaining product quality.
Pay: $17.85-$32.54 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
