Laboratory Lead - Aerospace Manufacturing

TN United Kingdom; Southampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Aerospace manufacturer in Southampton is seeking an experienced Laboratory Lead to manage lab operations and support quality initiatives. The role involves leading a technical team, overseeing audits, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This is an excellent opportunity for a driven professional to contribute to a high-performing environment focused on innovation and precision.

Benefits

Up to 10% pension contribution

Life and medical cover

Cycle to work scheme

On-site gym with classes

Subsidised restaurant and vending services

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in aerospace materials and process technologies.
• In-depth understanding of NADCAP procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the materials laboratory.
• Lead NADCAP audits and supervise Proficiency Testing Programme.
• Drive EHS and Quality culture.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Organisational

Education

Degree in Material Science

Degree in Metallurgy

Degree in Chemistry

Job description

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Laboratory Lead - Aerospace Manufacturing, Southampton

Client:

Location:

Southampton, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

3b4285e670cd

Job Views:

3

Posted:

17.05.2025

Expiry Date:

01.07.2025

Job Description:

Job summary

Our client within the Aerospace sector is currently seeking an experienced Laboratory Lead in Southampton on a permanent basis.

Key skills required for this role

Prior experience leading teams within a Laboratory environment in the Aerospace domain, NAPCAP, Metallurgy.

Are you a technically driven engineering professional with strong expertise in materials and processing within the aerospace sector? We're recruiting on behalf of a leading Aerospace manufacturer seeking a Laboratory Manager to lead and support their technical team across a diverse range of materials and testing capabilities.

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing environment where innovation, precision, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything. You'll lead daily lab activities, support key quality and EHS initiatives, and oversee calibration services and audit preparations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage daily operations of the materials laboratory.
• Lead the preparation and hosting of NADCAP audits.
• Supervise the Proficiency Testing Programme (PTP) for lab methods.
• Drive EHS and Quality culture while championing best practices.
• Analyse test data trends to ensure technical compliance.
• Offer technical support to manufacturing, operations, and engineering.
• Serve as Radiological Protection Supervisor.
• Manage internal and external calibration services, including subcontractor coordination and database maintenance.
• Identify and implement calibration process improvements to enhance quality, turnaround time, and cost efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Material Science, Metallurgy, or Chemistry (or significant equivalent technical experience).
• Extensive experience in materials and process technologies specific to the aerospace sector.
• In-depth understanding of NADCAP procedures across various commodities.
• Specialist knowledge in heat treatment (including pyrometry), composite testing, or chemical analysis for surface treatments.

Skills:

• Strong organisational, leadership, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and work independently when needed.

Benefits include up to 10% pension contribution, life and medical cover, cycle to work scheme, on-site gym with classes, subsidised restaurant and vending services, 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, and an Employee Assistance Programme.

If you're ready to take the next step in your technical leadership journey within an advanced aerospace environment, apply today or contact us for a confidential conversation.

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