Laboratory Technician (Special Processes)

Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace Ltd; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days holiday

Pension contributions matched up to 9%

Job summary

Marshall Group in Cambridge seeks a Laboratory Technician to perform routine analytical testing of chemical process solutions, maintain safety and compliance, and support process control in a regulated aerospace environment. You will work with titrations, calibrations and NHS-compliant documentation, ensuring quality and traceability.

Essential experience includes laboratory or industrial chemical processing, handling hazardous materials safely, and contributing to Nadcap audits; desirable is

Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory or industrial chemical processing environment.
• Ability to handle hazardous chemicals safely.
• Nadcap experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical testing of chemical process solutions using approved methods.
• Carry out acid/base, redox and complexometric titrations.
• Prepare standard solutions, reagents and laboratory chemicals.
• Maintain calibration records for full traceability.
• Operate and monitor the de-ionised water plant.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Titration techniques

Excel

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

GCSEs in Maths, English and Science

A-Level or equivalent Chemistry/Science

HNC/HND or Degree in Chemistry/Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

Excel

Job description

Why Join Marshall in This Role?

Join a team that plays a critical role in maintaining the quality, compliance, and performance of our aerospace manufacturing processes. As a Laboratory Technician at Marshall, you'll work with advanced analytical equipment and chemical processes, ensuring our operations meet the highest industry and customer standards, including Nadcap requirements. This is an opportunity to develop specialist technical expertise within a highly regulated aerospace environment, contributing directly to the delivery of world‑class products while supporting continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.

Accountability

• Accountable for the quality and accuracy of all laboratory testing and analytical results.
• Accountable for maintaining chemical process solutions within approved operating limits.
• Accountable for ensuring the safe, compliant and efficient operation of laboratory equipment, chemical process lines and the de‑ionised water plant.
• Accountable for maintaining accurate laboratory records, calibration data and process documentation.

Responsibilities

Laboratory & Chemical Analysis

• Perform routine analytical testing of all chemical process solutions using approved laboratory methods.
• Carry out acid/base, oxidation‑reduction and complexometric titrations.
• Calculate chemical concentrations and determine chemical additions required to maintain process control.
• Prepare standard solutions, reagents and laboratory chemicals.

Process Control

• Maintain all periodic testing schedules and monitor process parameters.
• Identify trends in solution performance and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure all process solutions remain within approved shop limits.
• Operate and monitor the de‑ionised water plant.

Laboratory & Equipment

• Maintain laboratory equipment, measuring instruments and testing facilities.
• Maintain calibration records for full traceability.
• Manage laboratory chemicals, consumables and stock levels.
• Ensure correct storage, handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.

Chemical Processing Support

• Monitor daily process line inspections.
• Maintain process tanks, rinse tanks and associated equipment.
• Adjust chemical concentrations and pH where required.
• Raise waste management documentation and manage chemical waste disposal.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain all laboratory records, spreadsheets and electronic databases.
• Record and trend analytical data.
• Investigate out‑of‑specification results.
• Notify management of non‑conforming process conditions.
• Act as laboratory representative during Nadcap, customer and regulatory audits.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace customer specifications, Nadcap requirements, environmental legislation and Health & Safety procedures.

Laboratory Testing

• Perform routine titrations and chemical analysis of all process solutions.
• Analyse rinse water contamination levels and pH.
• Monitor solution strength, contamination and pH.
• Conduct coating weight and etch rate testing.
• Perform current density verification.
• Prepare and analyse monthly periodic test panels and test pieces.
• Calculate and implement chemical additions.

Data & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of periodic testing and calibration.
• Record coating weight, hardness and conductivity results.
• Maintain stock records including expiry dates.

Plant & Equipment

• Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Carry out routine inspection of tanks, pumps, heaters, filtration systems and water plant.
• Monitor waste chemical storage and arrange disposal.
• Maintain special processes storage areas, bunding and IBC management.

Production Support

• Prepare job cards for periodic testing.
• Assist with chemical processing operations when required.
• Carry out inspection approval of completed special processes activities where authorised.

Capabilities

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving ability.
• Excellent numerical and calculation skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and laboratory procedures.
• Ability to work independently while supporting production priorities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Behavioural Competencies

• Demonstrates a proactive approach to quality, compliance and safety.
• Works accurately under pressure.
• Demonstrates integrity and attention to detail.
• Works collaboratively across departments.
• Supports continuous improvement initiatives.
• Displays flexibility and adaptability to changing production priorities.

Technical Competencies

• Chemical titration techniques.
• Analytical chemistry.
• Chemical conversion coating and anodising process control.
• Conductivity, resistivity and pH measurement.
• Coating weight testing.
• Process troubleshooting.
• Data analysis and statistical trending.

Certification

• GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics, English and Science.
• A‑Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry or a relevant science subject.

Desirable Certification

• HNC/HND or Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science or Chemical Engineering.

Experience

Essential

• Experience working within a laboratory or industrial chemical processing environment.
• Experience handling hazardous chemicals safely.

Desirable

• Aerospace surface treatment experience.
• Experience within a Nadcap accredited facility.

Additional Local Needs

• Flexibility to support production requirements outside normal laboratory duties where necessary.

Benefits

Competitive salary and remuneration package including 27 days holiday, pension contributions matched up to 9%.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer

Marshall Group is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.