Fragrance Lab Technician

Job Title: Fragrance Lab Technician Job Description The Fragrance Lab Technician supports the development of fine fragrance products by compounding experimental formulas and performing applications work in a collaborative laboratory setting. This role works closely with the perfumery and Fragrance R&D teams to create candles, lotions, shampoos, and other fragranced products, while maintaining accurate documentation, managing laboratory supplies and instruments, and ensuring high standards of quality and safety. The position offers a balanced mix of hands-on compounding and applications work, with strong opportunities for learning, growth, and global collaboration. Responsibilities

- Compound experimental fragrance formulas in close collaboration with the perfumery team and Fragrance R&D.
- Use fragrance oils to create a variety of finished products such as candles, lotions, shampoos, and other applications in the lab.
- Perform laboratory test methods needed for the preparation of product specification sheets.
- Conduct laboratory testing required to complete product specifications for samples, including assessments of color, odor, refractive index, specific gravity, and other quality control tests as needed.
- Perform analytical testing on fragrance materials to support quality, safety, and accurate formulation, including measurements of refractive index, specific gravity, and flashpoint using specialized equipment, when required.
- Manage laboratory supplies, contracts, servicing, calibration, and maintenance of instruments and analysis equipment.
- Compound sample lab formulas and assist in the applications lab as needed, with the role typically split between approximately 50% compounding and 50% applications work, depending on daily demand.
- Manage inventory of raw materials, maintain a clean and organized workstation, and follow established packaging and labeling procedures.
- Complete worksheets and enter data into internal computer programs such as Formpak, Excel, and product specification systems.
- Update data and changes in 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 teams, quality control teams, and production partners to optimize laboratory policies and procedures.
- Support raw material stocking and other related laboratory duties as requested.
- Work within shared lab space to coordinate activities and support analytical lab functions as needed.
- Participate in a positive, collaborative, and fun team culture, including regular interaction and knowledge-sharing with a small local team and global colleagues.

Essential Skills

- Bachelors degree in life sciences or a closely related field.
- Professional experience in compounding and applications work within a fragrance company.
- Demonstrated passion for fragrance and interest in fine fragrance products.
- Hands-on laboratory experience with fragrance compounding and small-scale production.
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory protocols accurately.
- Experience working in a laboratory environment, including maintaining cleanliness, organization, and safety standards.
- Proficiency with data entry and documentation using tools such as Excel and internal product specification systems.
- Capability to manage inventory, supplies, and basic instrument maintenance in a lab setting.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in measurements, labeling, and record-keeping.
- Effective communication skills for collaborating with perfumery, Fragrance R&D, Regulatory, QC, and production partners.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Laboratory certification and prior internship experience in a fragrance or analytical lab environment.
- Analytical experience in a fragrance laboratory, including measuring refractive index, specific gravity, and flashpoint.
- Background in analytical chemistry or related coursework.
- Experience with fragrance applications such as candles, lotions, shampoos, and other consumer products.
- Experience in raw materials testing and small-scale compounding for fragrance products.
- Familiarity with quality control testing, including color and odor evaluation.
- Comfort using specialized analytical instruments and maintaining calibration and servicing schedules.
- Ability to work flexibly across compounding and applications tasks based on daily lab demands.
- Interest in learning from experienced team members and growing into broader responsibilities over time.

Work Environment

- This role is based in a shared fragrance laboratory environment with a small, close-knit team of approximately 710 people.
- The team maintains a very positive, collaborative, and fun culture, with regular interaction and shared breaks that foster strong relationships.
- The company has been in business since 1982 and operates as a stable, continuously growing organization with global sites in the UK, India, China, and France, offering opportunities to collaborate with international teams.
- The work schedule typically falls within standard 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 lab needs.
- The laboratory uses specialized equipment for fragrance compounding and analytical testing, and team members receive training from experienced colleagues to build skills in both compounding and applications work.
- The environment emphasizes flexibility, professional development, and the chance to be trained, developed, and uplifted as part of a passionate fragrance-focused culture.
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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mahwah, NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Mahwah,NJ. 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 [email protected] 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.