Our Mission

At Prose, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-most.” We create custom beauty that’s inclusive to all hair & skin types, needs, and preferences. Each of our beauty products are customized to a person’s needs based on the results from an online consultation. The individual data is processed through a proprietary algorithm and made-to-order in the Prose lab using natural active ingredients. Marrying emerging technologies with the best in beauty, Prose is truly creating something special.

This is the opportunity to join a fast-growing startup and an energetic team that works together to deliver creative solutions that are transforming the way people think about and shop for personalized beauty. We’re looking for talented problem solvers who lead with passion and who face any task with a positive mindset.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Production Engineer to join our LA-based operations team to support the site’s rapid growth and continuous improvement objectives. The Production Engineer role at Prose focuses on maximizing the uptime of all production equipment by proactively mitigating potential failures. This involves spearheading improvements in processes, resolving technical issues, enhancing automation, and fostering teamwork across departments. A key aspect of the role is collaborating with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to tackle mechanical, electrical, and programming challenges.The position is also responsible for creating and maintaining a framework for tracking equipment downtime, improving the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of all Prose production lines, and contributing to the design and commissioning of all production assets within the facility. The position requires working in a plant environment for a cGMP/ISO certified facility and travel between West and East coast facilities in California and New York City. (~25%)

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and eliminate waste.
• Develop data-driven analysis (including OEE, throughput, and yield metrics) to identify and address process bottlenecks creating KPIs and set targets for OEE through CMMS and production data.
• Develop engineering solutions to repetitive failures and all other issues that adversely affect production through downtime/production loss or high maintenance costs.
• Diagnose or predict equipment reliability issues by conducting preliminary hazard analysis (PHA), failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and fault tree analysis (FTA).
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for production related Quality issues.
• Design and implement new production workflows, equipment layouts, and production process modifications to support business growth.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to ensure effective integration of process improvements.
• Collaborate with the Maintenance team to establish effective preventative and predictive maintenance plans according to OEM and GMP recommendations.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including SOPs, work instructions, process maps, and risk assessments.
• Support commissioning and qualification of new equipment.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S principles across production areas.
• Provide technical support and training to production, maintenance, and other cross functional teams as needed.
• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as mechanical, chemical, electrical engineering.
• 5+ years in cosmetic manufacturing or industrial environment ideally troubleshooting and resolving daily equipment issues.
• Mechanical Experience and Aptitude: Familiarity with pneumatic, piston (liquid handling systems), electrical, and sensor systems - with strong analytical skills and hands-on problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication skills, emotional intelligence, and experience using MS Office tools.
• Programming experience: Familiarity with B&R Automation, PLC & SCADA is a plus.
• Highly developed understanding of TPM methodologies and statistical process control (SPC) and experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with OEM (PKB Machines) filling equipment is a plus.

Perks & Benefits

Prose fosters inclusivity, learning, and diversity within our teams and workplace. Just as we celebrate unique beauty, every team member is encouraged to show up as their full self. In addition to creating an environment where all individuals feel welcome, we offer benefits that include:

• A competitive and flexible PTO policy
• Competitive compensation package
• Company sponsored health care plan (medical, dental and vision plans)
• 401k + matching
• $125 monthly wellness allowance
• FSA and commuter benefits
• Snacks and vending machine available on site

In the California Area, the anticipated base salary range for this role is $115,000 to $120,000 annually (+10% discretionary bonus and equity). Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills. This role will be a fully in-office position based out of our Yates office and the expectation is that this person will be in the office 5 days per week.

Prose Values

Intentional Inclusivity

• We know the best ideas come from open minds and willingness to listen. While our products cater to the individual, an invitation into our process is always open to our community.
• We value our differences and diverse backgrounds by communicating openly, managing with transparency and striving to understand one another’s perspective. It’s a key ingredient to our innovation.

Connected Collaboration

• Our strength as a group will outlast our efforts as individual contributors. With offices across countries, staying inventive and agile deepens our clear vision and consistent communication.
• We stay in a spirit of entrepreneurial collaboration: We do not have consensus at all times, but we trust one another to work toward our common goals. Our success is an expression and result of our progressive and gratifying teamwork.

Driven, Together

• We value ownership and coaching that encourages employees to think constructively and creatively about the business. We view employees as leaders and individuals who are accountable, resourceful and responsible. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to lead.
• We recognize that in order to continue thinking one step ahead, we will need to try new things. We strive to provide an open environment that accepts this truth, making space for new ideas to emerge.

Humanity Always

• We assume good intentions in every interaction, keeping ourselves accountable for the climate we create. We seek to understand our co-workers through this lens of conscious benevolence, authenticity and fellowship.
• We operate with the intention of preserving resources, creating an environment we can all live in – for our business and the world. Sustainable care is essential to our ethos as an organization. We take a mindful approach to how we think about our people (employees) and our planet.