Lab Technician

Job Title: Lab Technician – Flavor Laboratory

Job Description

The Lab Technician supports the Flavor Lab by compounding, spray drying, handling reactions, and preparing samples for a wide range of flavor applications. This role offers a clear development path for individuals who are highly motivated to learn and aspire to become a flavor chemist through a 5–7 year certification process. You will work closely with chemists and the applications team, gaining hands-on experience with liquids and powders used in products such as coffee, meats, pharmaceuticals, and beverages.

Responsibilities

• Compound and mix ingredients to create flavor batches in both liquid and powder forms.
• Operate the spray dryer safely and effectively with both liquid and powder materials.
• Handle laboratory reactions and processes in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare, fill, and label sample requests for internal and external stakeholders.
• Restock and organize laboratory supplies, ingredients, and materials to maintain readiness for daily operations.
• Perform sample preparation and batch preparation for numerous end products across multiple product lines.
• Collaborate closely with chemists and the applications team to support projects and learn flavor development processes.
• Apply basic mathematics skills to calculate measurements, ratios, and batch sizes accurately.
• Follow laboratory protocols and safety procedures while working with a variety of flavor ingredients.
• Demonstrate initiative to learn new processes, techniques, and equipment within the flavor lab.
• Maintain accurate records of compounding activities, sample preparations, and related lab work as required.
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented environment through effective communication and teamwork.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 6 months of experience in a laboratory setting, which may include academic laboratory experience.
• Demonstrated interest in becoming a Flavor Chemist and pursuing a 5–7 year certification process.
• High interest in flavors and the flavor industry.
• Laboratory experience with basic lab procedures, equipment handling, and safety practices.
• Above-average basic mathematics skills from prior schooling to perform measurements and calculations accurately.
• Ability to mix different ingredients and follow detailed formulations and procedures.
• Comfort working with both liquid and solid (powder) materials during compounding and spray drying.
• Motivation to learn different processes involved in the flavor lab department.
• Ability to perform compounding and sample preparation tasks with attention to detail and consistency.
• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to collaborate with chemists, technicians, and the applications team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• At least 6 months of laboratory experience, preferably related to food science, chemistry, or similar fields.
• College degree in Chemistry or Food Science is preferred for candidates with a higher education.
• Experience compounding ingredients and preparing samples and batches is highly desirable.
• Coursework in food science or chemistry is beneficial.
• Comfort with sample preparation techniques and handling multiple projects or product lines.
• Strong motivation to advance within the flavor industry and develop long-term expertise.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a social, collaborative lab environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a social, collaborative Flavor Department with frequent communication among technicians and chemists. The dress code is casual, allowing you to work comfortably in a laboratory setting while following standard safety practices. The standard shift runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Upon becoming a permanent employee, you may be eligible for a schedule where you have Monday or Friday off every third week if you opt for a half-hour lunch period. The organization offers a full benefits package, a 6% 401(k) match after 90 days of employment, and a salary increase upon becoming a permanent employee. You will gain exposure to a wide variety of product lines, including coffee, meats, pharmaceuticals, and different beverages, providing a rich learning environment for someone eager to grow in the flavor industry.

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

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in Mahwah,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 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.

Salary : $23 - $24