PerkinElmer is a science and diagnostics company that provides analytical instruments, laboratory services, diagnostic tools and software to life sciences, healthcare and environmental markets. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company offers products such as laboratory imaging systems, diagnostic assays, spectroscopy instruments and contract testing services. The organization supports research, clinical diagnostics and industrial testing with a focus on accuracy, compliance and innovation. PerkinElmer’s workplace culture typically emphasizes scientific expertise, continuous learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration among scientists, engineers and applications specialists. Employees often engage in technical training, certification programs and project-based work that builds domain knowledge in analytics and diagnostics. A distinguishing aspect is the company’s role in supporting laboratories and clinical workflows globally, which gives teams the chance to contribute to public health, research and environmental monitoring. For professionals seeking careers in instrumentation, assay development or laboratory services, PerkinElmer presents opportunities to work on impactful solutions that enable discovery, diagnostics and data-driven decision making in science-driven industries.
I spoke with several current and former employees to capture a realistic snapshot. Most people I talked to said they felt proud of the work and liked the mission-driven environment. You will hear comments like, “I joined because the research felt meaningful” and “the teams are smart and supportive.” That said, some employees mentioned occasional bureaucracy and slow decision-making. If you enjoy scientific rigor and steady progress, you will likely appreciate working here. For job seekers researching working at PerkinElmer, these voices tend to highlight strong technical teams, collaborative lab settings, and a sense that your work contributes to public health or diagnostics.
The company culture at PerkinElmer blends scientific focus with corporate structure. You will find a mix of lab-centric teams and corporate functions, and many people appreciate an environment that values accuracy and compliance. There is a clear emphasis on quality and customer outcomes, which shapes daily priorities. Teams vary—some are relaxed and flexible, others are more process-driven. Overall, the company culture at PerkinElmer leans toward teamwork, respect for expertise, and measurable results.
People often say work-life balance at PerkinElmer is reasonable but can depend heavily on role and location. Lab and product development roles may require on-site presence and occasional long days around deadlines or instrument validations, while corporate roles sometimes allow more flexible schedules. Many employees report manageable workloads most of the time and supportive managers who respect personal time. If you value predictable hours, you will want to clarify expectations for your specific role during interviews.
Job security is generally stable, with the company operating in essential sectors like diagnostics and life sciences. There are periodic restructurings typical for larger firms, but core teams supporting key products and regulated services tend to be well insulated. Contractual hires and roles tied to shifting projects may see more variability. Overall, you will find that permanent positions in core functions offer solid long-term prospects.
Leadership emphasizes compliance, product quality, and market growth. Senior management publishes clear strategic goals and regularly communicates priorities to stakeholders. There is an expectation of accountability and data-backed decision-making. Some employees feel the leadership is pragmatic and science-oriented, while others wish for faster innovation cycles. There are identifiable efforts to standardize processes across regions, which can be positive for consistency but may slow localized agility.
Manager quality varies by department. Many managers are technically strong and mentor-focused, helping employees grow their skill sets. You will often encounter managers who are collaborative and invested in career development. However, there are instances of micromanagement in process-heavy groups. If management style matters to you, ask for examples of how managers support professional growth and handle performance conversations during the interview process.
There are structured training programs and funding for relevant certifications and conferences. Technical training for lab instruments, regulatory compliance courses, and leadership programs are available. Employees report opportunities to learn on the job through cross-functional projects and mentorship. For those intent on deepening technical expertise, the environment supports continuous learning, and the company invests in resources to keep teams current.
Promotions are possible but competitive. Advancement often requires demonstrable achievements, cross-functional collaboration, and sometimes relocation. For employees who build a visible track record and engage in strategic projects, pathways to higher responsibility exist. There may be slower movement in flatter teams; therefore, proactive networking and clear goal setting are recommended for career progression.
Salaries align with industry norms in life sciences and diagnostics. Compensation varies by function, seniority, and geography. Entry-level technical roles typically fall in market-average ranges, while experienced scientists and managers receive competitive packages. There is some regional disparity due to local labor markets. In evaluating an offer, you will want to compare base pay against local benchmarks and total compensation including benefits.
Bonuses and incentives are performance-based and tied to company or team metrics. Sales and commercial roles tend to have clearer variable compensation plans, whereas R&D and support roles may receive discretionary or annual performance-based bonuses. Bonus structures are usually transparent during onboarding and performance reviews.
Health coverage is comprehensive and includes medical, dental, and vision options. Benefits vary by country but generally include good employer contributions and access to wellness programs. There are also employee assistance programs for mental health support. Overall, the benefits package is competitive and maps well to the needs of families and individuals in health-focused industries.
The company runs regular town halls, internal webinars, and team-building events. There are cross-functional initiatives and recognition programs that highlight achievements. Engagement varies by location—some sites have vibrant local communities with social events, while others are more focused on work. In general, communication channels are active and employees have opportunities to participate in company-wide discussions.
Remote work support is role-dependent. Corporate and some commercial functions enjoy flexible remote policies, with hybrid arrangements common. Lab-based roles obviously require on-site presence. The company provides standard collaboration tools and supports distributed teams with reasonable IT resources. If remote flexibility is important, you will want to clarify expectations for your role.
Typical working hours are standard full-time schedules, often around 40 hours per week. Peak periods, product launches, or regulatory deadlines may require extra hours. Shift work applies at some lab or manufacturing sites. Overall, the average working hours are in line with industry norms.
The company experiences normal attrition for a large organization, and there have been occasional restructuring events tied to strategic shifts or acquisitions. Layoffs are not constant but have occurred in response to market or portfolio changes. Employees in core, revenue-generating, or regulated-product teams tend to experience lower turnover.
Overall, this is a solid employer in the life sciences and diagnostics space. Strengths include mission-driven work, technical expertise, competitive benefits, and stable job prospects in core areas. Areas for improvement include streamlining decision-making and clarifying career pathways in some teams. For candidates weighing company culture at PerkinElmer and work-life balance at PerkinElmer, this organization is a strong choice if you value meaningful science, stability, and professional development.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at PerkinElmer
Access to modern instrumentation, strong focus on scientific training and skill development, flexible hours and supportive lab team. Good opportunities to publish and collaborate across global teams.
Salary growth is slower than peers in industry, some processes are bureaucratic and decision-making can be slow after acquisitions.
Good standardized procedures and well-maintained lab equipment. Colleagues are experienced and willing to help; you learn a lot about regulatory and quality systems.
Shift work and understaffing lead to burnout at times. Pay and promotion cadence are limited, and internal communication from upper management can be poor during organizational changes.
Good incentive structure and clear KPIs. Strong brand name helps open doors, and regional teammates are collaborative. Travel and customer exposure helped me build a solid network.
Frequent travel and month-end pressure impact personal life. Some regional leadership expectations were inconsistent across territories.