Research and Development Technician

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The Best Connection in Wolverhampton is recruiting an experienced R&D Technician to join their team. You will play a hands-on role in developing sustainable technologies for the recovery and re-manufacture of carbon fibre and composite materials.

You will operate pilot-scale machinery, manufacture prepregs and composites, and record experimental data. The role requires practical problem-solving and collaboration with the R&D team.

Qualifications

• Experience with composites, carbon fibre, lamination or manufacturing is desirable.
• Industrial R&D or materials testing background is advantageous.
• Practical, self-starting and problem-solving approach with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot-scale recycling and processing equipment including pyrolysis ovens and solvolysis reactors.
• Manufacture prepreg materials and pilot-scale composites.
• Prepare, cut, grind and compound recycled carbon fibre and mats.
• Carry out mechanical and chemical testing and record results.
• Use Excel to format, analyse and store data; keep lab records and inventory.
• Maintain equipment calibration and comply with ISO requirements.
• Ensure health, safety and housekeeping standards at all times.
• Collaborate with the R&D team on recycling and composite projects.

Skills

Composites experience

Carbon fibre

Materials testing

Attention to detail

Excel basics

Tools

CNC

Hydraulic presses

Bandsaws

Waterjet cutters

Job description

Wolverhampton The Best Connection is currently recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced and practically minded Research & Development (R&D) Technician to join their team in the Wolverhampton area.

Pay & Hours

£14.36 - £17.95 per hour, dependent on experience Monday to Friday 07:30 - 15:30 Wolverhampton area Ongoing opportunity

The Role

As an R&D Technician, you will play a hands-on role in developing sustainable technologies for the recovery and re-manufacture of carbon fibre and composite materials.

You will be involved in operating pilot-scale machinery, manufacturing composite materials, preparing samples, carrying out material testing and accurately recording experimental data.

Key Responsibilities

• Operating pilot-scale recycling and processing equipment, including pyrolysis ovens, solvolysis reactors and size-reduction machinery.


• Manufacturing prepreg materials and pilot-scale composite products.


• Preparing, cutting, grinding and compounding recycled carbon fibre, chopped strands and non-woven mats.


• Carrying out mechanical and chemical testing, including tensile and flexural testing.


• Performing physical analysis such as density testing, resin burn-off and TGA. Accurately recording experimental parameters, results and project data.


• Using Excel and other software to format, analyse, summarise and store data.


• Maintaining laboratory records and ensuring project data is organised and distributed as required.


• Managing laboratory equipment calibration and chemical/material inventories.


• Carrying out machine maintenance in accordance with ISO requirements.


• Maintaining high standards of health, safety and housekeeping.


• Working closely with the wider R&D team on innovative recycling and composite manufacturing projects.

About You

We are looking for someone who is practical, hands-on and naturally curious, with the ability to work independently and solve problems.

• Previous experience in composites, carbon fibre, lamination, manufacturing, materials testing or an industrial R&D environment would be highly advantageous.


• You should be comfortable working with machinery and be willing to learn new manufacturing and recycling processes.

Skills & Experience

• Experience working with composites, carbon fibre, polymers or advanced materials is desirable.


• Previous experience in an industrial R&D, manufacturing or materials testing environment would be advantageous.


• Practical experience with lamination or composite manufacturing would be beneficial.


• Comfortable using general engineering tools and machinery.


• Experience with CNC, mechanical or electrical equipment would be highly advantageous.


• Experience using machinery such as hydraulic presses, bandsaws and waterjet cutters would be beneficial.


• Good attention to detail and accurate record keeping.


• Basic computer skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.


• A practical, self-starting and problem-solving approach.


• Ability to work safely around machinery and chemical/thermal processes.

Qualifications

No formal qualifications are essential where relevant practical experience and aptitude can be demonstrated.