Formulation Scientist, Tech Ops

Merical,-LL; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No-cost vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Generous PTO

Job summary

MeriCal is hiring a Formulation Scientist, Tech Ops to optimize dry-dose dietary supplement formulations (tablets, capsules, powders) from lab to commercial production. You’ll serve as a bridge between R&D, manufacturing, and quality, ensuring scalable, stable, and compliant products.

The role emphasizes problem-solving, root cause analysis, and first-time-right outcomes in a fast-paced plant environment. Base pay aligns with a competitive range in California.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• 3+ years of formulation experience in dietary supplements, nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals focusing on tablets, capsules and powders.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, excipient selection, and formulation troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with material characterization (bulk density, moisture content, particle size).
• Experience with scale-up processes from lab bench to commercial manufacturing.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent documentation, data analysis and formulation troubleshooting skills.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of commercialization including development, ongoing production support and providing functional technical support for manufacturing.
• Overseeing and monitoring pilot and manufacturing scale-up and verification batches.
• Provide technical and scientific input, support and assistance to operations for in-process batches ensuring quality and operational efficiency.
• Partner with operations to investigate manufacturing issues related to formulation performance and implement effective solutions.
• Identify process optimization and cost savings opportunities.
• Conduct alternate raw material qualification for at-risk materials in collaboration with Procurement.
• Prepare technical documentation (manufacturing directions, re-blend instructions and Technical Operations pilot instructions).
• Support root cause analysis for historical issues along with other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support manufacturing department on technical issues and provide deviations, change controls and NCR support as needed.

Skills

Formulation

Scale-up

cGMP

Regulatory compliance

Documentation

Root cause analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry

Related scientific field

Tools

Bulk density

Moisture content

Particle size

Job description

Salary Range: $95,000.00 To $100,000.00 Annually

Company Summary:

For over 60 years, MeriCal has been at the forefront of innovation in the dietary supplement industry, delivering custom manufacturing and packaging solutions with passion and precision. With state-of-the-art facilities in Southern California and Ogden, UT, we transform ideas into high-quality products - from research and development to the finished products. Our team, with over 30 years of combined experience, is dedicated to crafting exceptional gummies, probiotics, tablets, capsules, chewables, and powders using clinically backed ingredients. At MeriCal, we don't just meet expectations—we exceed them, every time. Join us and be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team shaping the future of nutrition!

The Opportunity:

The Formulation Scientist, Tech Ops is responsible for optimizing and supporting dietary supplement dry dose formulations (tablets, capsules, powders) during scaleup and commercialization. This individual will serve as the technical bridge between R&D, manufacturing, and quality, providing hands-on support ensuring formulations are scientifically sound, manufacturable at scale, stable, and compliant with cGMP and regulatory requirements and provide in-process troubleshooting to ensure formulations run efficiently. This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys solving formulation challenges, experimenting with new approaches and uses root cause analysis to get to the heart of the problem with a focus on first time right.

What You’ll Do:

• Responsible for all aspects of commercialization including development, ongoing production support and providing functional technical support for manufacturing.
• Overseeing and monitoring pilot and manufacturing scaleup and verification batches.
• Provide technical and scientific input, support and assistance to operations for in-process batches ensuring quality and operational efficiency.
• Partner with operations to investigate manufacturing issues related to formulation performance (e.g., blending inconsistencies, tablet/capsule weight variation and defects, granulation problems, in process specification issues, texture/color deviations, and coating defects), and work to implement effective, timely solutions.
• Identify process optimization and cost savings opportunities.
• Conduct alternate raw material qualification for at risk materials in collaboration with Procurement.
• Prepare technical documentation (manufacturing directions, re-blend instructions and Technical Operations pilot instructions as needed.
• Support root cause analysis for historical issues along with other continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support manufacturing department on technical issues and provide deviations, change controls and NCR support as needed.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related scientific field.
• 3+ years of formulation experience in dietary supplements, nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals focusing on tablets, capsules and powders.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, excipient selection, and formulation troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with material characterization (bulk density, moisture content, particle size).
• Experience with scale-up processes from lab bench to commercial manufacturing.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent documentation, data analysis and formulation trouble shooting skills.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in both laboratory and manufacturing plant environments.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. (raw materials, sample equipment).
• Ability to stand/walk on production floor for extended periods when supporting or troubleshooting commercial bulks.

The Perks:

• No-cost vision insurance (yes, you read that right!), employer-paid life insurance, paid company holidays, generous paid time off, sick leave, employee assistance program, and a comprehensive wellness program.
• Affordable medical and dental insurance plans tailored for you and your dependents.
• Exceptional supplemental benefits, including Accident, Critical Illness, Hospitalization indemnity plans, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) matching plan and more!

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $95,000. to $100,000. The compensation offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and/or education.

MeriCal is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected, and where differences are embraced as strengths. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes equality and celebrates diversity.

Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact [e-mail] if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests.

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