Materials & Processes Laboratory Technician

fortice; West of England; On-site; GBP 86,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

fortice is seeking a Materials & Processes Laboratory Technician to support the preparation, conditioning, and testing of material coupons in Bristol. The role focuses on sealant, coating, and anti-corrosion test programmes and provides wider support to laboratory activities.

Working with engineers and lab personnel, you will conduct practical testing, maintain records, and ensure tests adhere to approved procedures and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Practical hands-on experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, workshop, or testing environment.
• Ability to follow written procedures, specifications, and work instructions.
• Good attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
• Competent use of basic laboratory and workshop equipment.
• Strong focus on quality, safety, and process compliance.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and manufacture of test coupons in accordance with defined procedures and specifications.
• Application of sealants, coatings, and associated materials to test specimens.
• Preparation of test assemblies, fixtures, and supporting equipment.
• Environmental conditioning of coupons, including temperature, humidity, fluid immersion, and other exposure requirements.
• Mechanical testing of coupons using defined test methods and laboratory equipment.
• Recording and reporting test results in a clear and accurate manner.
• Maintaining traceability of test specimens and test data.
• Supporting engineers with test setup, execution, and post-test activities.
• Assisting with laboratory housekeeping, equipment maintenance, and calibration activities.
• Supporting sample storage, inventory management, and general laboratory operations.
• Ensuring compliance with laboratory safety procedures and Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) requirements.
• Providing general support to mechanical and materials testing programmes as workload demands.

Skills

Hands-on lab experience

Follow procedures

Attention to detail

Equipment operation

Teamwork

Job description

Materials & Processes Laboratory Technician

Daily rate: £549.02 per day inside IR35

Location: Bristol- 4 days min on site - test lab role

Materials & Processes Technician

Sealant & Mechanical Coupon Testing

Role

The contractor will support materials and process development and qualification activities through the preparation, conditioning, and testing of material coupons. The role will primarily focus on sealant, coating, and anti-corrosion test programmes and provide wider support to laboratory testing activities as required.

Working alongside engineers and laboratory personnel, the candidate will be responsible for conducting practical testing activities, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring test work is completed safely and in accordance with approved procedures and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation and manufacture of test coupons in accordance with defined procedures and specifications.
• Application of sealants, coatings, and associated materials to test specimens.
• Preparation of test assemblies, fixtures, and supporting equipment.
• Environmental conditioning of coupons, including temperature, humidity, fluid immersion, and other exposure requirements.
• Mechanical testing of coupons using defined test methods and laboratory equipment.
• Recording and reporting test results in a clear and accurate manner.
• Maintaining traceability of test specimens and test data.
• Supporting engineers with test setup, execution, and post-test activities.
• Assisting with laboratory housekeeping, equipment maintenance, and calibration activities.
• Supporting sample storage, inventory management, and general laboratory operations.
• Ensuring compliance with laboratory safety procedures and Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) requirements.
• Providing general support to mechanical and materials testing programmes as workload demands.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Practical hands-on experience in a laboratory, manufacturing, workshop, or testing environment.
• Ability to follow written procedures, specifications, and work instructions.
• Good attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
• Competent use of basic laboratory and workshop equipment.
• Strong focus on quality, safety, and process compliance.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience preparing and testing material coupons.
• Experience with sealants, paints, coatings, adhesives, or anti-corrosion systems.
• Familiarity with mechanical testing equipment such as tensile, shear, peel, or fatigue test machines.
• Aerospace, automotive, defence, or advanced manufacturing experience.
• Experience operating environmental chambers or conditioning equipment.
• Understanding of laboratory quality systems and test reporting.
• Forklift, lifting, or other relevant workshop certifications (if applicable).

Personal Attributes

• Practical and hands-on approach.
• Methodical and organised working style.
• Reliable and self-motivated.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn new test methods and laboratory techniques.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing project priorities.