Senior Chemist I, NYX and Urban Decay Makeup Formulation Open Development, L'Oréal Research & Innovation

About the role

We are seeking a talented and innovative Senior Chemist I to join our Open Development department in El Segundo. In this role, you are responsible for the technical aspects of developing and homologating cosmetic products specifically for the Urban Decay and NYX brands. You will serve as the technical bridge between external partners and internal stakeholders, ensuring every formula reflects commitments to performance, stability, and disruptive beauty.

Responsibilities

• Vendor Collaboration & Launch Execution: Work closely with designated vendors to deliver high-performance formulations. Initiate formula reviews, assure quality and conformity, implement risk mitigation plans, and monitor stability reports.
• Technical Integrity & Compliance: Collaborate with vendors' formulation teams and internal Micro, Safety, and Regulatory experts to ensure formulations pass L’Oréal and industry standard tests. Review concepts, formulas, artwork, and documentation for technical accuracy.
• Project Leadership: Under minimal supervision, manage multiple projects and timelines for the Urban Decay and NYX brands. Provide status updates to management and ensure all R&I and Brand requirements are met.
• Claims Orchestration: Work with cross-functional teams to objectify data and provide formulation support for claim validation. Translate results from consumer perception, hydration, and wear studies into actionable business insights.
• Strategic Scouting: Identify new raw materials and technologies from both internal labs and external vendors that are suitable for UD’s disruptive product pipeline.
• Communication & Ambassadorship: Present technical R&I information to a variety of audiences, including Marketing and vendor partners. Stay abreast of international regulations affecting product positioning and verbiage.
• Process Improvement: Collaborate with the wider Open Development team to lead complex projects that maintain and improve departmental processes or support operational needs.
• Mentorship: Provide critical mentorship and training to vendors and support groups to ensure excellence in product quality.

Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related science is required.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in the cosmetics industry with a focus on color cosmetics formulation.
• Strong background in all makeup categories: lipstick, foundations, eye makeup, hot pours, emulsions, and suspensions.
• Preference for a "hybrid" background combining formulation with Regulatory, Claims, or Product Development expertise.

Skills & Attributes

• Effective communicator (oral and written) able to engage with both technical experts and non-scientific stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work under pressure within a matrixed global organization.
• Creative problem-solver who can proactively identify and propose technical solutions.
• The ability to be onsite, in the office as this is an essential function of the position (required).

Pay

Base Salary Range: $77,400 - $110,300 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level)

Schedule

Hybrid Work Policy (3 days in Office, up to 2 days Work From Home)