Job Title: Entry-Level Fragrance Laboratory TechnicianJob Description
This entry-level laboratory technician role offers a strong foundation in wet chemistry and bench techniques within a fast-paced fragrance laboratory. You will perform routine testing on incoming materials, in-process batches, and finished fragrance products while working closely with chemical operators and fragrance scientists. The position is ideal for candidates who want to build practical lab experience, grow into long-term opportunities, and gradually expand into more advanced analytical techniques.
Responsibilities
Perform physical property testing on fragrance samples, including specific gravity and pH measurements, following established procedures.
Test incoming raw materials, in-process batches, and final product samples to ensure they meet quality specifications before shipment.
Compound and create individual fragrance formulas according to detailed instructions and formulations.
Complete daily compounding and testing for approximately 12-20 formulas per day while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail.
Document test results clearly and accurately in laboratory records and quality systems.
Pull samples and materials from the production floor as needed to support testing and compounding activities.
Restock and refill laboratory supplies, reagents, and materials to ensure the lab remains organized and fully equipped.
Collaborate and communicate with chemical operators, perfumers, and fellow lab technicians to ensure products are tested and released on time.
Follow all laboratory safety, handling, and housekeeping procedures in a manufacturing-style environment.
Participate in training to learn additional testing techniques, with the potential to be trained on GC-MS over time.
Work independently for the majority of the day while proactively assisting peers when needed to meet production and shipping deadlines.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's or associate degree in a science-related field; a bachelor's degree is preferred but not required.
Hands-on laboratory experience, which may include academic lab coursework or internships.
Experience performing basic wet chemistry or bench techniques such as pH testing and physical property measurements.
Ability to work on your feet in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks throughout the day.
Comfort working independently with a high level of autonomy while meeting daily testing and compounding targets.
Strong reliability, including consistent attendance and punctuality.
Ability to communicate effectively with peers and other departments to coordinate testing and product release.
Capacity to learn new procedures quickly, retain technical information, and apply feedback.
No allergies or strong sensitivities to fragrances or strong scents, due to routine smelling and exposure to various fragrances.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Prior experience working while attending school, demonstrating strong work ethic and time management.
Background in fast-paced environments such as restaurants, fast food, retail, or customer service where multitasking is common.
Interest in building a long-term career path in areas such as perfumery, quality control, formulations, or regulatory functions.
Willingness to start in a contract role with the possibility of extension and long-term opportunity.
Enthusiasm for learning all aspects of laboratory operations and gaining a deeper understanding of how fragrance labs function.
Comfort working both independently and as part of a small team, regardless of introverted or extroverted work style.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal instructions precisely.
Work Environment
You will work primarily in a fragrance laboratory located within a manufacturing environment, similar to other chemical production facilities. Approximately 90% of your time will be spent in the lab performing testing and compounding, with about 10% dedicated to documentation and pulling materials or samples from the production floor. The lab team typically consists of several perfumers and a small group of lab technicians who collaborate closely to support production. You will regularly smell and evaluate a wide variety of fragrances, so comfort with continuous exposure to scented products is essential. The pace is fast, with daily testing and compounding targets, and you will spend much of the day on your feet. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, with standard laboratory equipment and the potential for future exposure to advanced analytical instruments such as GC-MS.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Maryland Heights, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $24.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Maryland Heights,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
