Lab Manager - Burn Rate

Actalent is Hiring a Lab Manager for Candle Wick Company!!

Job Description

The Lab Manager oversees daily operations of the candle wick testing and development laboratory, ensuring product quality, safety, and innovation. This role manages testing protocols, supervises lab technicians, maintains equipment, and supports R&D efforts to improve wick performance, burn stability, and manufacturing efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day activities within the wick testing and development laboratory.
• Implement and enforce lab safety protocols, chemical handling procedures, and compliance standards.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, tools, and testing setups; coordinate repairs and calibration as needed.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, chemicals, test wax, and experimental components.
• Develop, refine, and execute testing protocols for wicks, including burn tests, tensile strength assessments, coating evaluations, and material integrity checks.
• Monitor wick performance metrics such as burn rate, flame height, soot output, mushrooming, and self-trim properties.
• Document test results and maintain accurate QC records for internal and regulatory compliance.
• Identify defects, troubleshoot quality issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with product development teams to test new wick types, fibers, coatings, braiding techniques, and blends.
• Evaluate performance of wicks in various wax formulations, fragrances, dye loads, and vessel types.
• Support innovation initiatives by contributing scientific insight into wick behavior and material interactions.
• Assist in scaling new wick designs from prototype to full production.
• Supervise, train, and mentor lab technicians and assistants.
• Coordinate cross-functional communication between production, R&D, quality assurance, and management teams.
• Ensure timely completion of testing schedules and project deadlines.
• Present findings and reports to leadership teams in a clear and actionable format.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Previous experience in product testing, quality assurance, or manufacturing lab management preferred.
• Understanding of burn behavior, material science, or consumer goods testing—candles or related industries a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge in laboratory operations, chemistry, materials science, and lab management.
• Experience with candles, oils, and perfumes.

Work Environment

The work environment is a laboratory setting focused on testing and development of candle wicks. The role requires handling various chemicals and raw materials, with an emphasis on safety and compliance. The position involves cross-functional collaboration with production, R&D, quality assurance, and management teams. Dress code is laboratory appropriate, ensuring safety and professionalism.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Lauderdale, FL.

The pay range for this position is $45.67 - $52.88/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 Fort Lauderdale,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 23, 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $46 - $53