Mechanical Lab Technician

Amentum; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering company is seeking a Mechanical Lab Technician to support the Material Science and Structural Integrity team. The position is located in Birchwood, Warrington, and involves operating laboratory equipment for mechanical testing and corrosion evaluation. Candidates should have a strong educational background in science or engineering and possess attention to detail. This role offers competitive benefits including medical cover and hybrid working options for a better work-life balance.

Benefits

Free single medical cover

Enhanced parental leave pay

Reimbursement towards professional development

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C, including maths and English, and a science or engineering subject.
• Knowledge and experience in mechanical testing or materials test labs are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and install metallic test specimens into high-pressure corrosion test rigs.
• Set up and calibrate measuring instruments and sensors.
• Operate and monitor high-pressure pipework systems and pumps.
• Conduct daily checks, data logging, and inspections during test operations.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory rigs and equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Relationship centric

Resilient

Curious

Adaptable

Education

A Level in a scientific subject at Grade C or above

Five GCSEs at Grade C or above

Job description

The Mechanical Lab Technician will play a key role in supporting the Material Science and Structural Integrity (MSSI) team within Amentum. The position is based in Birchwood, Warrington, working alongside engineers, scientists and researchers focused on materials testing, corrosion assessment, and mechanical evaluation in support of the nuclear industry. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, technically capable and safety-conscious, responsible for assisting in the setup, operation and maintenance of laboratory test equipment. Core duties include preparing and installing metal specimens, conducting mechanical & corrosion tests, collecting & analysing data and maintaining accurate documentation in accordance with standard laboratory procedures and quality systems. This role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a range of mechanical testing techniques, including high-pressure/high-temperature corrosion testing, and to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams on innovative materials research and structural integrity projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and install metallic test specimens into high-pressure, high-temperature corrosion test rigs following strict safety and test procedures.
• Set up and calibrate measuring instruments and sensors (e.g. thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters and load cells).
• Operate and monitor high-pressure pipework systems, pumps and control units to maintain test parameters.
• Conduct daily checks, data logging and visual inspections during test operations, ensuring accurate data collection.
• Prepare water tanks and chemical test solutions to defined specifications, maintaining correct chemistry to strict parameters.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory rigs and equipment to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Identify and resolve mechanical or instrumentation faults, carrying out basic troubleshooting and corrective actions.
• Record and report all test data, observations, and results accurately in lab notebooks and electronic systems.
• Dismantle test rigs post-test, recover specimens and assist with post-test analysis and reporting.
• Follow all health, safety and environmental protocols, particularly those related to high-pressure systems and chemical handling.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to support test planning, rig setup, and continuous improvement activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment in accordance with quality standards (ISO/IEC 17025).

Qualifications

• A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent), including maths and English, and at least one science, technical or engineering subject.
• A Level in a scientific subject at Grade C or above.
• Knowledge and experience of mechanical testing or in a materials test lab would be beneficial, but we would welcome anyone keen to learn with a great can‑do attitude.
• Security clearance is required; applicants must hold or be able to obtain UK Essential Skills security clearance.

Desired Skills

• Relationship centric
• Problem solving
• Resilient
• Curious
• Adaptable
• Attention to detail

At Amentum, we're not just solving problems; we're engineering the future. Our team is driven by an unyielding commitment to innovation, integrity, and collaboration, tackling some of the most significant challenges in science, security, and sustainability. If you're passionate about making a real impact and want to be part of a community that values ethical excellence, this is the place where your ambition can thrive.

We offer an exciting range of opportunities to develop your career within a supportive and diverse team who always strive to do the right thing for our people, clients and communities. In addition to a competitive package, UK employees receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family‑friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay, free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, and reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. Work‑life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for us. We're happy to discuss hybrid, part‑time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.

Material Science and Structural Integrity (MSSI) is part of Amentum – a global engineering company. MSSI is recruiting a Mechanical Lab Technician at our Birchwood laboratory facilities. Here in MSSI we are developing advanced mechanical testing methods to generate data that ultimately informs big decisions on current and new plant across the nuclear industry. Achieving our objectives requires the support of motivated and competent technicians, engineers and scientists.