Chemical Manufacturing Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Chemistry Specialist Manufacturing Engineer, where you will apply your scientific expertise in a hands-on role. Work on cutting-edge detection technologies that protect people and infrastructure. Collaborate with a dynamic team and contribute to life-saving innovations in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Collaborative Environment

Work on Life-Saving Technologies

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or related fields; PhD preferred.
• Strong experimental and data analysis skills.
• Knowledge of Ion Mobility Spectrometry is a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and enhance performance of detection products.
• Investigate and resolve product and process issues.
• Support transition of new detection products to manufacturing.

Skills

Experimental Design

Data Analysis

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Chemistry

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Job description

Job Description

Are you a Chemist or Scientist looking to apply your expertise in a hands-on, real-world setting? Join us at Smiths Detection and help shape the next generation of chemical, explosives, and narcotics detection products.

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites, and five R&D centres, with a network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing over 40 years of advances in safety and security.

We’re seeking a Chemistry Specialist Manufacturing Engineer to bring scientific rigour to our manufacturing team in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine experimental science with engineering to support high-performance detection technologies that safeguard people and critical infrastructure.

Note: Due to the sensitive nature of this work, only applicants eligible for UK Security Clearance can be considered. We are unable to sponsor visas.

What you’ll be doing:

As part of our Manufacturing Engineering team, you will:

1. Utilize your chemistry expertise to monitor and enhance the performance of our detection products on the production line.
2. Investigate and resolve complex product and process issues using experimental design and data analysis.
3. Support the transition of new, cutting-edge detection products from R&D into full-scale manufacturing.
4. Plan and conduct experiments, analyze results, and communicate findings clearly to engineers, scientists, and manufacturing teams.
5. Provide hands-on scientific input to troubleshoot problems, improve performance, and guide decision-making throughout product lifecycles.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining practical lab work with production floor insights and is excited about applying chemistry in a mission-driven engineering environment.

What you’ll bring:

1. A degree in a scientific discipline—Chemistry, Analytical Science, or related fields. A PhD is highly desirable, especially in a chemistry-related area.
2. Strong experimental and data analysis skills, with the ability to design, conduct, and interpret laboratory investigations.
3. Knowledge of Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Ion Chemistry is a significant advantage.
4. Excellent communication skills—confident in presenting findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
5. A curious, self-starting mindset with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

What’s in it for you?

• Work on life-saving technologies that detect explosives, narcotics, and harmful chemicals.
• Collaborate with world-class engineers and scientists across disciplines.
• Participate in the full product lifecycle—from lab testing to real-world trials and manufacturing scale-up.
• Enjoy a dynamic, supportive environment where your scientific skills directly influence product quality and safety.

Our Values:

We believe diverse perspectives and backgrounds foster innovation. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, gender, age, disability, economic status, or other protected characteristics. We are committed to an inclusive workplace grounded in equality and ethics.

Note: During the hiring process, Smiths Group and our recruitment partners will never request payment for participation, including interviews or testing. Beware of fraudulent requests—apply directly through our careers website (Careers - Smiths Group plc).