Materials Laboratory Technician at MSS

MSS; Inverness; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

MSS is seeking an experienced Materials Laboratory Technician to join our Inverness laboratory. This full-time, on-site role involves testing soils, aggregates and construction materials to ensure quality and compliance on major projects.

You will handle samples, perform established tests, maintain equipment and records, and support audits and continuous improvement in a busy testing environment in Inverness.

Qualifications

• Experience in a materials testing laboratory handling soils, aggregates or construction materials.
• Strong understanding of quality procedures and industry standards in testing.
• Good IT skills and ability to maintain accurate test records and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Receive, register and manage samples with full traceability.
• Carry out tests on soils, aggregates and related construction materials.
• Record observations and test data accurately; review results for anomalies.

Skills

Materials testing

Geotechnical testing

Soils testing

Attention to detail

Documentation

Job description

Materials Laboratory Technician - MSS

This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth. Contract: Permanent, Full-time. Location: Inverness. Salary: Competitive.

About Us

MSS is a specialist materials testing business providing high-quality site and laboratory testing services to clients across the construction, infrastructure and civil engineering sectors. Working on projects of all sizes, we support contractors, developers and engineers with reliable testing, technical expertise and responsive service. Our experienced team plays a vital role in helping clients maintain quality, safety and compliance throughout the construction process.

Part of the Celnor Group. Celnor Group is a UK-based environmental services group operating across the Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) landscape. With a growing portfolio of specialist businesses, Celnor provides essential services that protect people, property and the environment. While each business retains its own identity, culture and technical specialism, all are supported by a central group function that invests in people, systems and long-term sustainable growth.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Materials Laboratory Technician to join our laboratory team in Inverness. Working within our Materials Testing Laboratory, you will be responsible for carrying out accurate and timely testing of soils, aggregates and construction materials while ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards and quality procedures. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced laboratory professional who enjoys technical work, maintaining high standards of accuracy and contributing to the delivery of quality testing services that support major construction and infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, register, prepare and manage samples while maintaining full traceability and chain of custody
• Carry out laboratory testing on soils, aggregates and related construction materials
• Undertake testing including moisture content, particle size distribution, Atterberg Limits, compaction testing and aggregate grading
• Accurately record observations, test data and results
• Review test results and identify anomalies or issues requiring investigation
• Prepare worksheets, reports and supporting laboratory documentation
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration records and testing schedules
• Carry out routine equipment checks, verifications and calibrations
• Support internal audits, quality assessments and continuous
• Ensure compliance with laboratory procedures, quality standards and health and safety requirements
• Provide guidance and support to less experienced technicians where required

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Substantial experience within a materials testing, geotechnical, soils or aggregates testing laboratory
• Working knowledge of relevant BS 1377 and BS EN 933 testing standards
• Understanding of BS EN ISO/IEC 17025 and quality management systems
• Experience carrying out equipment calibration, verification and maintenance activities
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify unusual or invalid test results
• Experience maintaining accurate test records and technical documentation
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and laboratory systems
• Strong communication and organisational skills

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a technically capable and detail-oriented individual who takes pride in delivering accurate and reliable testing services. The successful candidate will be organised, quality-focused and committed to maintaining high standards of technical performance. You will enjoy working as part of a team, supporting continuous improvement and ensuring clients receive dependable results and service.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and provide a supportive working environment including:

• 40 hour working week, Monday to Friday
• Supportive team environment with ongoing training and development
• Opportunity to work within a growing business supporting major construction and infrastructure projects
• Career progression opportunities as MSS continues to expand across multiple regions

MSS is committed to providing equal opportunities and values diversity in the workplace.

Important Information

Celnor Group and its businesses manage recruitment directly. We do not require agency support for this role and will only engage with recruitment partners from our preferred supplier list where necessary. We may use technology, including AI-enabled tools, to support parts of the recruitment process. AI is not used for candidate screening, scoring or hiring decisions. All hiring decisions are made by people, for people. Our recruitment systems are ISO 42001 accredited, reflecting our commitment to ethical, transparent and responsible use of technology.