Research Development Consultant

Position Title: R&D Consultant (Contract Position), Formulation and Scale-upReports to: Director of R&DLocation / Work Flexibility:• Hybrid: NJ-based candidates (3 days/week in office) or remote with regular travel.• Regular travel to manufacturing sites requiredDuration: 12 months (possibility to be extended)Position SummaryThis is a rare and exciting opportunity to help bring to life new, meaningful product innovations for a brand with a long-loved heritage, deep consumer trust, and a reputation for quality. As the R&D / Technical Transfer Consultant, you will be the key link between product creation and real-world execution — taking breakthrough formulations from the lab bench and turning them into beautifully made, high-performing products on manufacturing lines around the world.You’ll collaborate closely with Product Development, Packaging, Operations, Marketing, and our network of external manufacturing partners to ensure seamless scale-up, efficient production, and consistently exceptional product quality. Your work directly impacts what ultimately reaches millions of consumers — and you will see the physical results of your contributions on shelves and in daily routines.This role is also hands-on and dynamic: it requires regular travel to domestic and international manufacturing sites (including Canada, California, Illinois, Tennessee, Ohio, etc.), sometimes on short notice. The ideal candidate thrives in real-world manufacturing environments and enjoys being the go-to technical expert when something needs to be made, optimized, or fixed — quickly, thoughtfully, and well.Primary ResponsibilitiesLead technology transfer of new formulations from lab/pilot scale to commercial manufacturing, ensuring product performance and process robustness.Partner with external manufacturing sites (CMOs/CDMOs) to design, optimize, validate, and document end-to-end manufacturing and filling processes across multiple product forms.Conduct on-site process troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and implement corrective actions during scale-up or commercial production.Develop and maintain process documentation, including batch records, scale-up protocols, SOPs, Material Specifications, and technical transfer packages.Support raw material qualification, formula adjustments, and processing refinement during development and scale-up.Prepare and present technical reports, risk assessments, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.Required Qualifications5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in process engineering, scale-up, or technical transfer roles.Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related technical discipline.Strong working knowledge of formulation technology and the underlying chemical/physical principles affecting product behavior during processing.Experience working within GMP / GxP frameworks and understanding of FDA and/or cosmetic regulatory requirements.Must have an active passport and be able to travel regularly to manufacturing locations in the U.S. and internationally.Ability to travel on short notice to support urgent production issues.Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proven ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional partners.Hands-on, solution-oriented, entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments.Preferred QualificationsExperience with skin care, hair care, baby care, deodorant, or general personal care consumer products.Direct experience in formulation and/or process development in cosmetic or OTC drug product categories.Knowledge of process design and scaling approaches for emulsions, gels, suspensions, and other liquid product forms (batch, semi-continuous, continuous).Demonstrated tech transfer and scale-up leadership, including equipment capability evaluations and process parameter optimization.Experience managing, qualifying, and sustaining relationships with external manufacturing partners and technical project teams.Personal AttributesPositive, energetic, and driven — with a strong sense of urgency and ownership.Consumer-obsessed with a passion for delivering products that genuinely improve daily routines.Curious and growth-minded — actively seeks better processes, new ideas, and smart efficiencies.Builds strong relationships and trust quickly across technical teams, manufacturing partners, and leadership.Balances strategic thinking with a willingness to be hands-on when needed.Exceptionally strong in problem solving, prioritization, execution, and follow-through.