Process & Formulations Specialist

Here at Scotts Miracle-Gro there is no such thing as a typical day. Our culture is constantly energized by new and exciting growth opportunities and at a rapid pace. Below are details on an open job. If the role interests you and you would like to be considered we encourage you to apply!

We are looking for an R&D Process and Formulations Specialist who will join our Scotts R&D Lawn team.

At Scotts Miracle-Gro, we think people are like plants... in the right place you will grow and flourish. Are you an advocate of making the world a more beautiful place by inspiring others, championing new ideas, and being intellectually curious? Are you not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty? If so, then we want you as part of our Scotts family!

Position Overview

The Process & Formulation Specialist bridges bench-scale innovation and full-scale manufacturing, leading product and process development from initial concept to commercial launch. In this role, you will innovate, optimize, and scale new formulations for market-leading consumer lawn products.

You will combine hands-on laboratory formulation with pilot plant scale-up to ensure formulations are scalable, robust, and cost-effective. Operating with minimal oversight, the Specialist acts as a project champion and technical thought leader, identifying new technologies, cost-saving opportunities and contributing to business strategy through expert technical support.

Core Responsibilities

Hands-on Formulation Development & Bench-Scale Innovation (40%)

• Assist in formulating and refining new lawn care products from initial bench-top feasibility through proof of concept.
• Evaluate and support the integration of novel technologies, raw materials, and carrier systems to enhance product performance and agronomic efficacy.
• Support optimization of existing formulations to reduce cost of goods sold (COGS), enhance sustainability, and improve storage/shelf life. 
• Maintain laboratory upkeep, including chemical and equipment supply, chemical inventory management, SDS archiving, and sample preparation/shipment in compliance with DOT, EPA, OSHA, and FIFRA/OMRI regulations.
• Work closely with Biology to validate biological efficacy and ensure formulations meet targeted performance criteria.

Hands-on Pilot Plant Operations & Scale-Up Execution (40%)

• Assist in setting up and executing pilot-scale trials for new formulations and processing technologies under the guidance of senior staff.
• Help translate benchtop recipes and trial run requests into practical pilot operating parameters.
• Collect and assist in analyzing pilot trial data to support product specifications and quality baselines.
• Safely operate and maintain pilot-scale solid and liquid chemical processing equipment (mixers, granulators, coating equipment, liquid blenders, and packaging interfaces).
• Support technology transfer activities and production scale trials as directed.
• Contribute to Pilot Plant efficiency by supporting equipment installation, start-up, commissioning, and routine maintenance tasks.

Cross-Functional Collaboration (20%)

• Collaborate with cross-functional project teams—including Packaging Development, Regulatory, Marketing, Sourcing, Supply Chain, and Biology—to support product formulation and process development.
• Operate as an active, dependable team player across both R&D, operations, and business fostering  close daily collaboration to collectively solve problems.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by providing technical documentation, processing data, and formulation details required for EPA, state, and environmental registrations.
• Conduct all bench, pilot, and plant operations in strict adherence to corporate Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) and Process Safety Management (PSM) guidelines.
• Support company safety and 5S program, heavily engaging with peers on formulation design, data analysis, and efficient resource allocation to meet milestones.

Candidate Qualifications

• Education: B.A./B.S. or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related science/engineering field.
• Experience: 0-5 years of experience in product development, formulation chemistry, pilot plant operations, or process engineering within consumer packaged goods (CPG), specialty chemicals, agricultural chemicals, or fertilizers.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Proven self-starter capable of managing concurrent project priorities with minimal supervision.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to convey complex technical data across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Practical mechanical aptitude and familiarity with lab equipment (hoods, mixers, hot plates, pH meters, mills, analytical instruments) to safely handle chemical reactivity and troubleshoot machinery.
  • Strong networking skills to build internal support systems, seek out new technologies, and demonstrate high scientific rigor and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced work environment.  
  • Flexibility to change priorities and/or manage multiple priorities.  
  • Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.
    

Here at ScottsMiracle-Gro, we believe providing an enriching and engaging employee experience is what sets us apart from other organizations. We recognize our employees are so much more than just their job title so we offer programs and benefits that support them in all aspects of their lives. Wondering how we do it? Below is a glimpse of our highlight reel…

• Our Live Total Health program provides you with options to align to your personal needs.  Selections range from medical, dental and visioncoverage for you, your spouse/domestic partner and dependents to an outstanding wellness reimbursement program to an unbelievable 401K match (up to 7.5%)as well as a 15% discount on company stock and much more

• We know ourtalent is our most precious asset and your unique development contributes to our organization’s success now and in the future.  Career growth at our company is not always a ladder.  It’s much more like a rock climbing adventure.  Grow through exploration and experiences rather than a predictable linear path.

• We value the importance of family. We provide access to Maven Family Planning and up to $30,000 to accommodate for adoption, fertility and surrogacy.

• Be part of something bigger by joining one of our Employee Resource Groups focusing on diversity and inclusion, family, education and sustainability: Scotts Women’s Network, Scotts Black Employees’ Network, Scotts Veterans Network, Scotts Young Professionals, Scotts Pride Network (GroPride), Scotts Associates for a Greener Earth (SAGE), Scotts Family TREE and our Associate Boards.

• Join a company with a strong belief in giving back to the communities where we live and work.  We have a shared passion for service and volunteerism and believe participating in community service benefits our communities and strengthens our team. 

Not interested in this role? Stay up to date on future opportunities by joining our ScottsMiracle-Gro talent communities.

Scotts is an EEO Employer, dedicated to a culturally diverse, drug free workplace.

EEO/AA Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Notification to Agencies:

Please note that the Scotts Miracle-Gro company does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement, and specific approval to submit resumes to an approved requisition, the Scotts Miracle-Gro company will not consider or approve payment regarding recruiter fees or referral compensations.