Laboratory Technician (Industrial Chemical Processes)

GKN Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn. in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

It’s great to know you’re making a difference to the future of aviation! Whatever part you play you’ll be helping us deliver operational excellence to our customers.

Are you a junior laboratory technician / laboratory technician looking to transfer your skills into Aerospace?

At our GKN Filton site, we specialise in the design and manufacture of large complex structural wing assemblies, detailed metallic components and wing systems for a combination of both civil and military aircraft.

As a laboratory technician within our Chemical processes area, you will work as part of a small team responsible for adherence to chemical specification, including sampling & analysis of TSA, Chromic acid & Alocrom 1200 processes.
The role is based at our Filton site, on a full-time permanent contract working 35 hours per week, with flexible start & finish times & a half day on Friday.

How You'll Contribute

We're looking for an individual that can provide chemical analysis expertise to operational and developmental programs in order to enable and deliver zero defect projects.

Responsibilities will include:

• Manage inventory of laboratory chemicals and bulk chemicals used in production
• Calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments
• Control of chemical processing baths: Testing, chemical additions and disposals
• Test method control and development of new analysis techniques
• Using quality tools to check for variation in measurement processes
• Understanding and complying with Health & Safety legislation when using hazardous chemicals
• Providing technical assistance with risk assessments and safe systems of work
• The implementation of materials & process methods and solutions, from original concept through to production
• Deploy these processes with a high degree of process capability utilizing the GKN standard Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) tool suite to demonstrate as such
• Technical support of manufacturing development and integration for production. Resolve issues pertaining to vendor quality
• Provide specialist knowledge to production activities with the ultimate goal of improving efficiency, product quality and the reduction of non-conforming parts

In addition to:

• Deliver technical support of manufacturing process development and integration for production
• Utilize root cause analysis, preventative and corrective action to reduce/eliminate non-conformances
• Maintain positive, team relationships with internal and external customers, as well as co-workers
• Continuously improve production processes by implementing Lean initiatives

What You'll Bring

To help us make a difference, you’ll bring your passion and expertise/ talent for what you do along with the following skills, experience, qualifications and attributes:

Essential:

• Technical expertise in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering, with a professional qualification / background (university degree) in Chemistry
• Suitable experience within a laboratory environment with adherence to COSHH

Desirable:

• Demonstrate previous experience in surface enhancement within a manufacturing setting
• Working knowledge of quality system models such as ISO9000, AS9100, or D1-9000
• Previous experience working with substances subject to COSHH such as Tartaric acid, Sulphuric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Caustic Soda, Nitric acid, Hydrofluoric acid

What We'll Offer

Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working hours & half day finish on Friday
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment

As well as a competitive package we’ll offer you a world of opportunity. We want to see your career fly! We’ll support your career progression by providing you with learning and development opportunities. That’s the beauty of being part of a global business, once you’re on board you never know where your career journey may take you!

We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.

We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.