Laboratory Specialist

Impellam; Chester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to join its Materials Laboratory team in Broughton, supporting the quality, performance, and compliance of materials and manufacturing processes used in aircraft production. You will work with advanced analytical techniques and collaborate with engineering and production teams to deliver high-quality aerospace products.

The role offers exposure to a broad range of analytical technologies, with opportunities to develop specialist expertise in aerospace

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Experience in a practical laboratory environment carrying out chemical analysis.
• Strong understanding of chemical testing principles and analytical methodologies.
• Experience with sample preparation and dilution techniques.
• Knowledge of chemical surface treatments and coating systems.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and industry standards.
• Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct chemical analysis of surface treatment chemicals, rinse tanks, effluent, sealants, paints and hydraulic fluids.
• Perform sample preparation, dilutions and laboratory testing using a range of analytical techniques.
• Operate, calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Analyse test results and produce clear technical reports for engineering and production stakeholders.
• Support investigations into non-conformance and failure analysis activities.
• Lead laboratory trials for new products and manufacturing processes before implementation on the shop floor.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to identify process deviations and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, work instructions and quality documentation.
• Conduct COSHH assessments and risk assessments.
• Ensure all testing activities are accurately recorded within quality management systems.
• Interpreting technical specifications, engineering drawings and industry standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Reporting

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Education

BSc/MSc in Chemistry

HNC in Chemistry

Tools

Ion Chromatography

ICP

XRF

FTIR

Titration

Surface tension

COD analysis

Surfactant testing

Coating analysis

Job description

Laboratory Specialist Location: Broughton, Cheshire (Fully Onsite) Contract: 12 Months (Potential for Extension) Pay Rate: £29.49 per hour PAYE | £39.45 per hour Umbrella Security Clearance: BPSS (completed by Airbus Security) Shift Pattern: Double Day Shift with 20% Shift Uplift

Join Airbus as a Laboratory Specialist. Airbus is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to join its Materials Laboratory team in Broughton, supporting the quality, performance, and compliance of materials and manufacturing processes used in the production of world-leading aircraft. This is an exciting opportunity to work with cutting‑edge analytical technologies, collaborate with engineering and production teams, and contribute directly to the delivery of high‑quality aerospace products. Whether you are an experienced laboratory professional or looking to further develop your industrial chemistry career, this role offers exposure to a broad range of analytical techniques and specialist manufacturing processes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conducting chemical analysis of surface treatment chemicals, rinse tanks, effluent, sealants, paints and hydraulic fluids
• Performing sample preparation, dilutions and laboratory testing using a range of analytical techniques
• Operating, calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Analysing test results and producing clear technical reports for engineering and production stakeholders
• Supporting investigations into non‑conformance and failure analysis activities
• Leading laboratory trials for new products and manufacturing processes before implementation on the shop floor
• Collaborating with manufacturing teams to identify process deviations and implementing corrective actions
• Developing and maintaining laboratory procedures, work instructions and quality documentation
• Conducting and reviewing COSHH assessments and risk assessments
• Ensuring all testing activities are accurately recorded within quality management systems
• Interpreting technical specifications, engineering drawings and industry standards

Analytical Techniques

• Ion Chromatography (IC)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
• X‑ray Fluorescence (XRF)
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Manual and automated titration techniques
• Surface tension testing
• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analysis
• Surfactant testing
• Coating and materials analysis

About You

We’re looking for a motivated and detail‑focused individual who enjoys problem‑solving and working in a technically challenging environment.

Essential Requirements

• BSc or MSc in Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline
• Alternatively, an HNC in Chemistry supported by relevant industrial experience
• Experience working in a practical laboratory environment carrying out chemical analysis
• Strong understanding of chemical testing principles and analytical methodologies
• Experience with sample preparation and dilution techniques
• Knowledge of chemical surface treatments and coating systems
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and recognised industry standards
• Strong analytical, reporting and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience in a similar industrial laboratory environment
• Failure analysis and root cause investigation experience
• Knowledge of metallurgical techniques
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 17025 or similar quality management systems
• Experience using advanced analytical instrumentation
• Specialist Process Knowledge: Experience or knowledge in any of the following areas would be advantageous: Chemical surface treatment processes, including anodising, etching, plating and conversion coatings; Mechanical surface treatments such as shot peening; Corrosion protection systems, including primers, paints and specialist coatings

What's in It for You?

• Join one of the world's leading aerospace manufacturers
• Work with advanced laboratory equipment and industry‑leading technologies
• Develop specialist expertise in aerospace materials, coatings and manufacturing processes
• Gain exposure to a wide variety of analytical techniques and testing methodologies
• Collaborate with highly skilled engineers, scientists and manufacturing teams
• Opportunity to enhance your technical knowledge within a complex, regulated industry
• Competitive hourly rate with overtime opportunities
• 20% shift uplift for shift working

Shift Pattern

Alternating weeks of mornings and afternoons, Monday to Friday.

• Morning Shift: 06:00 to 13:10
• Afternoon Shift: 13:30 to 20:40
• Up to 8 weeks of night shifts per year (maximum)

Why Airbus?

If you’re passionate about chemistry, laboratory science and delivering quality within a world‑class manufacturing environment, we would love to hear from you.