Lead Process Engineer - Cosmetics

Optify Search; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Optify Search, a leading executive search firm, seeks a Lead Process Engineer for a cosmetics/personal care manufacturer in New Jersey. You will lead process improvements across compounding and manufacturing, support scale-up, validation, and new product introductions, and drive Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure GMP and quality standards.

The role requires a degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline and 5+ years in cosmetics/pharma manufacturing, with

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years' experience in cosmetics, personal care, FMCG, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of cosmetic compounding processes and scale-up.
• Experience with GMP, process validation, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvements across compounding and manufacturing operations.
• Support scale-up, process validation, and new product introductions.
• Troubleshoot processing issues involving mixing, emulsification, heating/cooling, and viscosity.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, ISO 22716, safety, and quality standards.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and process automation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to production and engineering teams.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Cosmetics Manufacturing

Process Engineering

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Optify Search are currently partnered with a Personal Care Manufacturer seeking a Lead Process Engineer.

Responsibilities for this role include (but are not limited to):

• Lead process improvements across compounding and manufacturing operations.
• Support scale-up, process validation, and new product introductions.
• Troubleshoot processing issues involving mixing, emulsification, heating/cooling, and viscosity.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, ISO 22716, safety, and quality standards.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and process automation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to production and engineering teams.

To be considered for the role, the following education, experience and qualifications are required:

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years' experience in cosmetics, personal care, FMCG, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of cosmetic compounding processes and scale-up.
• Experience with GMP, process validation, and continuous improvement methodologies.

This role offers a competitive salary, with a great compensation package, and a strong progression pathway.

About Optify Search

Optify Search is a leading executive search and selection business. From our office in London we provide retained and contingency recruitment solutions across the Healthcare, Ingredients, Chemicals, Contract Manufacturing, Packaging and Semiconductor sectors.