Fragrance Lab Technician

Job Title: Fragrance Lab TechnicianJob Description

The Fragrance Lab Technician supports experimental compounding, applications work, and analytical testing to ensure high-quality fragrance products. This role works closely with the perfumery and Fragrance R&D teams to compound experimental formulas, create fragrance-based products such as candles, lotions, and shampoos, and perform laboratory testing needed for product specifications. The technician manages lab inventory and instruments, maintains accurate data in internal systems, and collaborates with global teams to optimize policies and procedures in a positive, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Compound experimental fragrance formulas in close collaboration with the perfumery and Fragrance R&D teams.

• Use fragrance oils to create and test a variety of products, including candles, lotions, shampoos, and other applications as needed.

• Perform experimental compounding and small-scale applications work to support new product development and sampling.

• Conduct laboratory test methods required for the preparation and completion of product specification sheets.

• Perform analytical testing on fragrance materials to ensure quality, safety, and accurate formulation, including measurements such as refractive index, specific gravity, flashpoint, color, odor, and other quality control tests using specialized equipment.

• Manage supplies, contracts, servicing, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory instruments and analytical equipment.

• Assist in the applications lab as needed, supporting trials, sample preparation, and product evaluations.

• Manage inventory of raw materials and finished samples, including stocking, organizing, and maintaining a clean, orderly workstation.

• Follow all packaging, labeling, and documentation procedures to ensure samples and products are correctly identified and traceable.

• Complete worksheets and enter data accurately into internal computer programs such as Formpak, Excel, and product specification systems.

• Update changes in data across all relevant databases, including Formpak and product specification programs, and communicate updates to stakeholders such as Fragrance R&D and Regulatory Affairs.

• Collaborate with Regulatory and Quality Control teams, including international colleagues, to optimize laboratory policies, procedures, and quality standards.

• Work closely with production partners to align laboratory activities with manufacturing needs and timelines.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives in the lab, contributing ideas to enhance processes, testing methods, and documentation.

• Perform other duties as requested, including raw material stocking, general lab support, and cross-training in analytical functions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences (such as chemistry, biology, or a related discipline).

• Professional experience in compounding and applications within a fragrance company or closely related industry.

• Hands-on laboratory experience, including adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and good laboratory practices.

• Demonstrated experience with fragrance compounding, fine fragrance work, and small-scale formulation in a lab environment.

• Ability to perform and interpret basic analytical tests related to fragrance materials and finished products.

• Proficiency in using computer programs for data entry and analysis, including Excel and specialized formulation or product specification systems such as Formpak.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in measurements, documentation, and data management.

• Organizational skills to manage inventory, supplies, and multiple concurrent projects in a laboratory setting.

• Clear communication skills to collaborate effectively with perfumery, R&D, Regulatory, QC, and production teams.

• Genuine passion for fragrance and interest in developing expertise in fragrance compounding and applications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Analytical experience in a fragrance laboratory, including practical skills in measuring refractive index, specific gravity, and flashpoint.

• Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles applied to fragrance materials and quality control testing.

• Experience with fragrance applications such as candles, personal care products, and other scented consumer goods.

• Exposure to raw materials testing, including evaluation of color, odor, and other key quality attributes.

• Familiarity with small-scale compounding techniques and scaling lab formulas for sampling or pilot production.

• Comfort working with and maintaining analytical instruments, including calibration, servicing, and troubleshooting.

• Ability to learn new systems, methods, and technologies quickly, with a strong desire for ongoing training and professional development.

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in small teams while engaging with global colleagues across multiple locations.

• Flexibility to support evolving lab needs, cross-train in analytical functions, and take on additional responsibilities as the team grows.

Work Environment

This position is based in a shared laboratory environment with a small, close-knit team of approximately 7–10 people, offering frequent collaboration with global colleagues in locations such as the UK, India, China, and France. The lab operates in a stable, continuously growing company that has been in business for decades and maintains an independent, tight-knit culture. The work environment is described as very positive, collaborative, and fun, with team members regularly interacting and sharing time together during the day. The schedule typically follows daytime hours, such as 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility to accommodate team and project needs. The lab uses specialized analytical equipment for fragrance testing and shared lab space with partner teams who handle some analytical functions, providing opportunities for cross-training and mentorship. The organization emphasizes training, development, and uplifting people with a passion for fragrance, offering room to grow and advance within the company while working in a supportive and flexible environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mahwah, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Mahwah,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.