Process Chemist

Hardide Coatings; Bicester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing technology company in Bicester is seeking a Process Chemist to develop and improve pre-treatment processes for metal parts. The role requires a degree in Electrochemistry or Chemistry, along with a strong ability to solve problems and work under pressure. Responsibilities include conducting chemical analyses, troubleshooting production issues, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. This position may require travel to the USA for the establishment of a new facility.

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in Electrochemistry or Chemistry is essential.
• Relevant production experience in the metal plating industry is beneficial.
• Demonstrable problem-solving capability.

Responsibilities

• Develop pre-treatment processes for various substrates and solutions.
• Conduct chemical analysis of solutions and materials used in production.
• Troubleshoot production problems in pre-treatment processes.
• Supervise effluent neutralisation and precipitation processes.
• Implement improvements for pre-treatment processes to enhance yield.
• Conduct Health and Safety assessments of chemicals and processes.
• Write technical reports and provide support to production personnel.
• Travel to the USA for the set-up of a new coating facility.

Skills

Electrochemistry knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Chemical analysis experience

Education

Degree in Electrochemistry or Chemistry

Tools

XRF analytical equipment

Job description

Hardide is a growing technology-based company, which develops, manufactures and applies nanostructured tungsten carbide coatings to a wide range of engineering components. The Group's patented CVD technology is unique in combining abrasion, erosion and corrosion resistant properties in one coating. When applied to metal components used in aggressive environments, the technology provides dramatic improvements in component life resulting in cost savings through reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency. Customers include leading companies operating in oil and gas exploration and production, valve and pump manufacturing, nuclear, advanced engineering and aerospace industries.

Nature of the Job

The Process Chemist focuses on the development and improvement of Hardide pre‑treatment processes, which include metal parts cleaning, etching, metal plating, and also stripping metal coatings. Pre‑treatment is a key part of our production route, requiring skilled and dedicated staff.

Main Duties

• Develop pre‑treatment processes for various substrate materials, including parts cleaning, metal‑plating, pre‑treatment solutions analysis and coatings stripping.
• Chemical analysis of the solutions and materials used in production.
• Participate in troubleshooting production problems associated with pre‑treatment.
• Technical supervision of the effluents neutralisation, precipitation and other processing.
• Develop and implement improvements and failure preventative measures for the pre‑treatment processes to enhance the production yield.
• Review and update work instructions to capture improvements related to the pre‑treatment processes.
• Perform Health and Safety and COSHH assessment of the chemicals and processes.
• Compile and write technical reports.
• Provide technical support to the company production personnel both in the UK and the US.
• Responsible for duties as detailed in the company’s quality and environmental manuals.
• This role requires travel to the USA to assist in the set‑up of a new coating facility.

Essential Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in Electrochemistry or Chemistry is an essential requirement.
• Demonstrable problem‑solving capability.
• Relevant production experience in metal plating industry would be beneficial.

Knowledge And Skills

• In‑depth knowledge of electrochemistry, experience with industrial metal plating processes, such as electrolytic and electroless nickel or copper plating.
• Ability to identify and develop improvements in pre‑treatment processes.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic and problem‑solving skills.
• Good written reporting and communication skills.
• Accuracy and attention to details.
• Experience and skills in Chemical Analysis, use of XRF analytical equipment.
• Project management skills, ability to work in a team as well as alone, achieving objectives and deadlines.
• Familiarity with chemical handling safety requirements, quality control and experiment planning techniques.

Ideal Profile

The successful individual in this role must have a demonstrable problem‑solving capacity, which requires a detailed and attentive personality. Hardide is a fast‑paced growing business that is constantly introducing new products to the process; the successful candidate should be able to plan and perform the work to an agreed timetable in a pressing production environment. They must have the ability to work alone as well as in a team and possess good communication skills.