Materials & Process Laboratory Technician

Advantage Resourcing UK Ltd; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantage Resourcing UK Ltd seeks a Materials and Process Laboratory Technician for a 6-month contract in Stevenage. The role involves extensive laboratory testing of metals and composites, data analysis, and collaboration with the Materials team across UK sites. Hybrid work: 4 days onsite, 1 day from home.

The candidate will perform materials testing, prepare reports, interpret drawings, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Prior defence/aerospace exposure is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Practical Laboratory experience with daily operations.
• Experience in Aerospace/Defence context is advantageous but not essential.
• Familiarity with standard lab equipment and analytical software such as Excel/Matlab.

Responsibilities

• Perform wide-ranging testing and assessment of metallic and non-metallic materials.
• Prepare test reports and interpret engineering drawings and specs.
• Support lab health and safety activities and COSHH compliance.
• Assist with calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting of lab equipment.
• Provide technical support for obsolescence reduction and material qualification.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Materials analysis

Data analysis

Microsoft Excel

Lab safety

Tools

XRF

SEM

EDX

OES

FTIR

Paint inspection equipment

Matlab

Access

Job description

World Class Defence Organisation based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire is currently looking to recruit a Materials and Process Laboratory Technician subcontractor on an initial 6 month contract.

Job Title: Materials and Process Laboratory Technician
Rate: £33.56 per hour
Location: Stevenage
Hybrid / Remote working: 4 days onsite / 1 day from home
Contract: 37 Hours per week
Overtime: Hours worked over 37 hours per week will be calculated at ‘time and a quarter’
Duration: 6 Months (initially and then ongoing and long-term thereafter)
IR35 status: Inside IR35 (Umbrella)

Materials and Process Laboratory Technician Job Description:

Understanding the technology of Materials and their related use and manufacturing processes is a key part of ensuring that our products meet our demanding technical, cost and reliability requirements.

The Material team consists of a federated UK/Fr integrated team based in Mechanical Engineering, operating with a common process set and links to the other materials teams across the business. We have a wide range of test facilities and specialist knowledge within materials used across the business.

The Materials group can provide expertise, support and advice, including details of the laboratory facilities and contacts at our sites across the UK and France.

We achieve this by:

• Technical Guidance and Approval in the Selection, characterisation and Use of Materials and Related Processes across all projects
• Materials testing, analysis and property verification for both design and manufacturing
• Assessing and Developing new and emerging technologies
• Materials and processes consultancy for the Government and MoD
• Representation on International, Government, MoD, Trade body, Strategic steering bodies and Standard Committees

• Support to REACH and RoHS adherence
• First Point of contact for Failure Investigations and Forensic Engineering
• Provide guidance in the use and control of Hazardous Materials

• Provide solutions for obsolescence
• Undertake Technical Assessment and Validation of Supplier / Sub-contractor Processes and Manufactured Parts
• Provide technical support to in country (offset) design and / or manufacture
• Quality Assessment of Bought-in items

Responsibilities:

Wide ranging testing and assessment of materials including metallic materials (aluminium, steels, titanium) and non-metallic materials including composites, polymers, paints and adhesives and related processes. Familiarity with general lab equipment is required and any experience of, XRF, SEM, EDX, OES, FTIR, paint inspection equipment and mechanical testing would be beneficial but not essential. Preparation of test reports, interpretation of Engineering drawings and specifications is expected and use of other IT systems such as Word, Excel and Access. Supporting all aspects of the materials lab with routine testing, inspection and characterisation, failure investigations, material selection, support to the supply chain, first article inspection report reviews and material relifing. Support generating or assessment of compliance data such as REACh, RoHS or environmental aspects of engineering designs. Support investigation and resolution of obsolescence due to supply chain, legislation or other factors Support lab health and safety activities (Eg COSHH & Risk Assessments) and quality activities (Eg SOP writing)

Skillset/experience required:

• Practical Laboratory experience – hands on experience managing daily laboratory operations, including sample testing, logging, preparation and disposal
• Experience in the Aerospace or Defence Industry advantageous but not strictly required.
• Assessment of materials and components to established international standards including DEF STANs
• Experience performing routine calibration, troubleshooting and maintenance on lab equipment
• Experience supporting the selection, procurement and manufacture of engineering parts or components
• Familiarity working within a certified quality management team
• Proficiency in lab and data analytical software (Microsoft Excel, Matlab etc)
• Strict adherence to lab safety protocols including proper handling of hazardous chemicals, SDS management and wearing of appropriate PPE.
• Ability to accurately document test procedures, analyse raw data and write clear concise technical reports.