Lab Technician

ACTalent; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Laboratory Technician - Compounder for our Newport News, VA site. The role supports flavor chemists by preparing and developing flavor systems for food and beverage applications.

The candidate will manage lab operations, document formulations, and collaborate with Sales, Quality, Procurement, and Applications to meet project timelines. This contract-to-hire position offers hands-on flavor chemistry exposure and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or equivalent work experience.
• Approximately 2 years of laboratory compounding experience in flavor applications.
• Hands-on lab operations: compounding, weighing, measuring, handling chemicals and flavor ingredients.
• Knowledge of basic flavor materials and applicable regulations.
• Strong sensory skills for evaluating flavors and aroma profiles.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and compound flavors, concentrates, and formulations for development and samples.
• Maintain inventory of flavor materials, solvents, and lab supplies.
• Manage project documentation, formulation records and flavor databases.
• Select flavor profiles based on project requirements and sensory performance.
• Collaborate with Sales, Quality, Procurement, and Applications to meet timelines.
• Coordinate procurement of lab supplies to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Conduct analytical and sensory testing of finished flavors.

Skills

Flavor compounding

Lab operations

Sensory evaluation

Regulatory knowledge

Documentation & data entry

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Laboratory Technician - Compounder

Job Description

This role supports Flavor Chemists in the development and commercialization of flavor systems for a wide range of food and beverage applications. The Lab Technician contributes to flavor creation projects, assists with day-to-day laboratory operations, and independently manages assigned flavor projects by selecting, evaluating, and modifying existing flavor formulations. This position offers hands-on exposure to flavor chemistry, broad involvement across departments, and strong opportunities for professional growth in the flavor industry.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and compound commercial flavors, concentrates, and key formulations for laboratory development, customer samples, food and beverage applications, and production support.
• Maintain inventory of flavor raw materials, solvents, aroma chemicals, finished products, and laboratory supplies, ensuring all materials remain properly stocked, labeled, and organized.
• Manage and maintain project documentation, formulation records, flavor databases, and vendor information to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.
• Select and recommend appropriate flavor profiles for specific food and beverage applications based on project requirements and sensory performance.
• Gather, organize, and maintain regulatory and compliance information related to flavor ingredients and raw materials.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as Sales, Quality, Procurement, and Applications to support business objectives and project timelines.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with raw material suppliers and external partners to support flavor development and procurement needs.
• Coordinate procurement of laboratory supplies and materials to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Prepare, package, and ship flavor samples in response to customer requests and internal evaluation needs.
• Conduct analytical and sensory testing of finished flavors, including evaluations such as specific gravity, refractive index, pH, and organoleptic assessments.
• Partner closely with Flavor Chemists to evaluate, refine, and optimize flavor formulations based on analytical results and sensory feedback.
• Develop a strong understanding of flavor raw materials, including their attributes, functionality, and applications in different product matrices.
• Review formulations to verify compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Conduct ingredient and market research to stay informed about emerging technologies, trends, and new ingredient offerings relevant to flavor development.
• Catalog and organize new flavor developments for customer submissions and internal reference libraries.
• Coordinate sensory evaluations and organoleptic assessments of new and existing raw materials.
• Facilitate informal sensory panels and assist with the collection, documentation, and interpretation of sensory feedback.
• Support Applications Technologists in preparing product prototypes and conducting application trials for customer and internal projects.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, cleaned, and operated according to established procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment, including routine cleaning of workspaces, equipment, and glassware.
• Perform additional laboratory and flavor development duties as assigned to support overall project and business needs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or equivalent work experience.
• Approximately 2 years of laboratory compounding experience, preferably in food, beverage, or flavor applications.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory operations, including compounding, weighing, measuring, and handling chemicals and flavor ingredients.
• Knowledge of basic flavor raw materials and relevant regulations governing their use.
• Strong sensory skills, including the ability to accurately evaluate smell and taste in a variety of flavor systems.
• Experience with chemical handling and basic chemical processing in a laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with documentation processes and data entry to maintain accurate records and databases.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret test results and sensory data.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to keep multiple projects, samples, and records well structured and accessible.
• Effective problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot formulation, processing, or sensory issues.
• Strong computer skills, including the use of common office software and laboratory-related systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills to document work and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build productive relationships with colleagues, suppliers, and partners.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Understanding of flavor development processes and formulation techniques is preferred.
• Prior flavor creation or flavor development experience is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements related to flavor ingredients and raw materials.
• Experience conducting sensory evaluations, including organizing panels and capturing structured feedback.
• Comfort working with analytical measurements such as specific gravity, refractive index, and pH.
• Interest in staying current with emerging flavor technologies, ingredient innovations, and market trends.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a small-company environment where individuals may wear multiple hats and contribute across functions.
• Motivation to grow within the flavor industry and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean laboratory environment working alongside approximately five other laboratory technicians at a time. The Lab Technician collaborates daily with colleagues in Applications and Quality, fostering a highly interactive and cross-functional setting. The laboratory uses standard flavor and analytical equipment, and work involves routine handling of flavor ingredients, solvents, aroma chemicals, and related materials under established safety procedures. The organization offers a close-knit, small-company feel where employees often take on diverse responsibilities, gain broad exposure to flavor chemistry, and learn multiple aspects of the flavor industry. The culture emphasizes internal promotion and provides opportunities for growth once individuals demonstrate strong performance, reliability, and initiative.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Newport News, VA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $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 Newport News, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Newport News,VA.

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 [e-mail] 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.