Fragrance Lab Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Fragrance Lab Technician

Job Description

The Fragrance Lab Technician works across both the applications lab and the compounding lab, performing analytical testing on fragrance materials and blending raw materials into sample products for customers worldwide. This role combines hands-on laboratory analysis with small-scale compounding, supporting fragrance research and development projects and ensuring products meet strict quality and safety standards. Training is available for exceptional candidates with a strong passion for fragrance and a solid scientific or laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing on fragrance materials to ensure quality, safety, and accurate formulation, including measurements of refractive index, specific gravity, flashpoint, color, and odor using specialized laboratory equipment.
• Carry out laboratory test methods required for the preparation of product specification sheets and ensure all specifications are complete and accurate.
• Conduct daily calibration and routine maintenance of analytical instruments and other laboratory analysis equipment to ensure reliable test results.
• Manage supplies, service contracts, and servicing for laboratory instruments, including coordination of calibration and maintenance activities.
• Compound sample lab formulas by accurately weighing, measuring, and blending raw materials to create fragrance samples for various applications such as fine fragrance, soaps, candles, lotions, and other products.
• Assist in the applications lab as needed, supporting the creation, combination, and blending of aroma chemicals, fragrances, and essential oils to meet specific product requirements for fine fragrance and personal care products.
• Work closely with Fragrance R&D to support ongoing projects and sampling, providing timely analytical results and sample preparations.
• Complete worksheets and accurately enter data into internal computer programs, including Formpak, Excel, and product specification systems.
• Update changes in data across all relevant databases, including Formpak and product specification programs, and promptly inform stakeholders such as Fragrance R&D and Regulatory Affairs.
• Collaborate with Regulatory and Quality Control teams, including international counterparts, to help optimize laboratory policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Conduct testing and analysis on raw materials and blended products to ensure they meet defined quality specifications and internal standards.
• Safely handle raw materials, including stocking, cataloging, and organizing raw materials within the lab to maintain accurate inventory and an orderly workspace.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and customer formulas precisely to meet project deadlines and ensure consistency in product development.
• Use solvents safely to dissolve and blend fragrance ingredients and handle laboratory glassware such as beakers, flasks, and pipettes for measuring and mixing.
• Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, and lab coats, to ensure safe handling of chemicals and adherence to safety protocols.
• Support other laboratory duties as requested, including raw material stocking, general lab upkeep, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in a relevant scientific field, or one to two years of related laboratory experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong passion for fragrances and related applications, with a keen interest in developing expertise in fragrance and flavor compounding.
• Hands-on analytical chemistry skills, including experience or training in measuring refractive index, specific gravity, and flashpoint.
• Ability to perform fine fragrance and fragrance applications work, including creating, combining, and blending aroma chemicals, fragrances, and essential oils to meet specific product requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to safely and accurately handle raw materials and compound different fragrances for applications such as fine fragrance, soaps, candles, lotions, and other products.
• Capability to conduct tests on raw materials and blended products to confirm they meet defined quality specifications.
• Ability to read and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and customer formulas accurately and consistently.
• Proficiency in using laboratory glassware, including beakers, flasks, and pipettes, for precise measuring and mixing.
• Competence in safely using solvents to dissolve and blend fragrance ingredients in a laboratory environment.
• Strong math and literacy skills to support accurate calculations, documentation, and data interpretation.
• Ability to use internal computer programs such as Formpak, Excel, and product specification systems to record and manage data.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to stock, catalog, and maintain raw materials in an orderly manner.
• Self-motivated with the ability to use initiative, work independently when needed, and manage tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively within a team, supporting colleagues and collaborating across functions and locations.
• Commitment to safe laboratory practices, including proper use of PPE such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on analytical experience gained through fragrance-related internships, especially in measuring refractive index, specific gravity, and flashpoint.
• Up to two years of industry experience in fragrance applications or home care products such as candles and air fresheners.
• Experience with small-scale compounding of fragrances and familiarity with raw materials testing.
• Strong sense of smell and sensory acuity to evaluate and differentiate fragrances and support the creation and adjustment of fragrance blends.
• Experience working with fine fragrance and personal care products, including understanding of application-specific requirements.
• Ability to maintain a tidy workstation and well-organized laboratory environment.
• Keen interest in learning and developing skills to progress within the fragrance industry, including staying ahead of market trends.
• Comfort collaborating with global teams and working within a positive, collaborative, and fun culture.
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving processes, projects, and locations within the organization.

Work Environment

The Fragrance Lab Technician works in a laboratory environment that includes both applications and compounding labs, using analytical instruments, solvents, and standard laboratory glassware such as beakers, flasks, and pipettes. The role requires consistent use of personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, to ensure safe handling of chemicals and raw materials. The position follows a Monday to Friday schedule, typically from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The role is based initially at a facility in Towaco until July 1, 2026, after which it transitions to a facility in Mahwah. The technician works as part of a small local team of approximately 7–10 people while also collaborating with global teams in locations such as the UK, India, China, and France. The culture emphasizes a very positive, collaborative, and fun work environment, with flexibility and opportunities for growth and development. The organization focuses on trend forecasting and innovation, providing a stable and continuously growing setting where employees are encouraged to learn, advance, and contribute to future fragrance trends

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

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

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Towaco,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 9, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 ziprecruiter.com 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.