Consumer Products Lab Manager - Candles

Actalent is Hiring a Lab Manager for Candle Wick Company

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.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pompano Beach, FL.

Pay and Benefits

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Pompano Beach, FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 9, 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.