Materials Lab Technician

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturer in Wolverhampton is seeking a Materials Lab Technician. This role involves conducting metallurgical examinations and ensuring high-quality production standards. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in materials testing and a relevant qualification, with strong knowledge of automotive systems. You’ll enjoy a competitive salary and various employee benefits, including a discount car purchase scheme and parental leave policies.

Benefits

Discounted car purchase scheme

52-week maternity leave

4-week paternity leave

Competitive pension

Performance-related bonus

Employee learning scheme

Qualifications

• Previous experience in materials testing equipment operation.
• Knowledge of metallurgical properties and heat treatment of materials.
• Minimum Level 3 qualification in relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Conduct metallurgical examinations and testing.
• Perform quality control inspections and assessments.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.
• Document and maintain working practices.

Skills

Materials testing equipment operation

Metallurgical knowledge of steel and aluminium

Understanding of automotive systems

Laboratory safety practices

Investigative techniques

Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Education

Level 3 or above qualification in a relevant discipline

Tools

Scanning electron microscope

FTIR

Optical emission spectroscopy

Minitab

Job description

Job Description

REQ ID: 129662
JOB TITLE: Materials Lab Technician
SALARY: £47,344
POSTING END DATE: 29/08/2025
LOCATION: Wolverhampton EPMC

In the Manufacturing team at JLR’s Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre (EPMC), you’ll help power iconic electric cars. You will be working alongside incredible technicians and leaders to drive our commitment to shape a future we truly believe in, together. Use your expertise, cutting-edge technology, and problem-solving skills to ensure efficient, sustainable and high-quality production. Fuel the exceptional.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This Role is required to provide technical support to the EPMC, related to the production of internal combustion engine. The main activities will be carrying out metallurgical examinations to confirm drawing specifications are met; as well as performing cleanliness testing and analysing contaminants. On completion of testing, the role will complete test reports as required and feedback results to customers, escalating issues as necessary, and interrogating SPC data to identify trends. This is an outstanding opportunity for someone who has a basic knowledge and is willing to acquire new skills and progress technically.

• Assess components according to metallurgical test processes, as required by engineering specification or drawing; or to support diagnosis of a failure or non-conformance
• Carry out routine quality control inspections to support production and launch activities
• Perform advanced characterisation and testing using scanning electron microscope, FTIR, optical emission spectroscopy, white light interferometer, microhardness evaluation, tensile testing where further analysis is required
• Create test plans and work procedures based on ISO standards, review draft engineering specifications, support cross-functional activities and liaise with machining, global manufacturing engineering and current manufacturing engineering teams
• Ensure internal and external audit compliance to standards including IATF 16949 and ISO 14001
• Compliance to Health and Safety procedures by ensuring all safety metrics are achieved, including identifying safety hazards and risks and supporting implementation of corrective action
• Apply lean manufacturing principles and seek ongoing opportunities for process improvement, engage with and support compliance with business systems
• Document and maintain site specific working practices such as Local Work Instructions, Process Confirmation, 5S Audit, Risk Assessments etc

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Along with your ambition to achieve the exceptional, there are several skills you\'ll need to have to help you succeed here, including:

• Previous experience incorporating knowledge and practical operation of materials testing equipment (SEM, surface characterisation, hardness, tensile, cleanliness testing, FTIR, OES, etc).
• Metallurgical knowledge of steel and aluminium, including heat treatment, and experience in applying this know-how. Able to interpret Engineering drawings and Specifications. Can interpret Metallic microstructures.
• Understanding or familiarity with automotive systems, practices and procedures
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, able to act on potential concerns
• Use of investigative techniques (Quality tools) to identify and solve problems
• Computer skills – experienced using Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as SPC software such as Minitab, including for data manipulation and interrogation.
• Minimum of a Level 3 or above qualification in a relevant discipline

BENEFITS

This role is rewarding in more ways than one. On top of our core offering, you’ll do extraordinary work with amazing people. In addition, you can expect a wide range of benefits:

• Discounted car purchase scheme (open to family members, too)
• A 52 week maternity leave policy and a 4 week paternity leave policy. Other parental leave policies are available.
• A competitive pension
• A JLR company performance-related bonus
• An employee learning scheme providing funding for; education, training and other activities which support the development of personal skills and promote lifelong learning.
• Access to open, employee-led support and social networks

We work hard to nurture a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all. We understand candidates may require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please discuss these with your recruiter so we can accommodate your needs.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application, as this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

JLR is committed to equal opportunity for all.