Sample Preparation Technician

SGS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance related bonus

Private medical cover

Pension + Life Assurance

Annual leave + holidays

Discounts

Job summary

SGS is seeking a hands-on Sample Preparation Technician in Manchester to join our coatings and materials testing laboratory. You will prepare samples, machine and label them, and ensure readiness for analysis within a collaborative technical team.

Experience with CNC milling is essential; the role offers practical skill development and exposure to cutting-edge laboratory equipment in a global leader in testing, inspection and certification.

Qualifications

• Experience with CNC milling and machine shop practices.
• Ability to follow procedures and technical instructions accurately.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Manual dexterity and practical problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare test samples using cutting, drilling, milling and hand tools.
• Operate equipment including a CNC mini mill.
• Prepare coating, peel and cross‑cut test samples.
• Support laboratory testing by ensuring samples are prepared accurately and on time.
• Maintain sample identification and traceability.
• Carry out routine equipment checks and report issues.
• Help maintain a clean, organised and safe laboratory environment.
• Work closely with laboratory teams to meet project deadlines.

Skills

CNC milling

Hand tools

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent)

Tools

CNC mini mill

Job description

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.

SGS’s Industries and Environment services help businesses ensure safety, sustainability, and compliance through testing, inspection, certification, and consulting—supporting sectors from manufacturing to infrastructure and environmental management.

Job Description

• Job Title: Sample Preparation Technician
• Job Type: Permanent
• Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4pm
• Job Location: Manchester

Please note that SGS is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

The successful candidate will also be required to successfully complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check as part of our pre‑employment screening process. For more details please visit: UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard - Version 7.0 - June 2024 (HTML) - GOV.UK

Looking for a hands‑on role where you can work with machinery, tools, and cutting‑edge laboratory equipment?

SGS is looking for a Sample Preparation Technician to join our specialist coatings and materials testing laboratory. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys practical work, has a keen eye for detail, and wants to develop technical skills within a global leader in testing, inspection and certification.

You’ll play a key role in preparing samples for laboratory testing, ensuring they are accurately machined, labelled, and ready for analysis. No two days are the same, and you’ll have the chance to learn specialist techniques while working alongside an experienced technical team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Preparing test samples using cutting, drilling, milling and hand tools
• Operating equipment including a CNC mini mill
• Preparing coating, peel and cross‑cut test samples
• Supporting laboratory testing by ensuring samples are prepared accurately and on time
• Maintaining sample identification and traceability
• Carrying out routine equipment checks and reporting issues
• Helping maintain a clean, organised and safe laboratory environment
• Working closely with laboratory teams to meet project deadlines

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who enjoys practical, hands‑on work and takes pride in producing high‑quality results. You’ll be comfortable working with tools, machinery or technical processes and have a strong focus on accuracy, safety and attention to detail.

Experience with CNC milling (CNC Minimill) is essential whilst, drilling, cutting equipment, sample preparation, machining, engineering or laboratory work would be beneficial, but we’re equally interested in people with transferable practical skills and a willingness to learn.

This role could suit candidates from backgrounds such as:

• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Production
• CNC machining
• Workshop or fabrication environments
• Skilled assembly
• Laboratory support
• Technical or mechanical roles

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience using hand tools, power tools, machinery or workshop equipment
• Good practical skills and manual dexterity
• Experience with CNC milling
• The ability to follow procedures and technical instructions accurately
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent)

Additional Information

At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:

• Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
• Private medical cover (BUPA)
• Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• Retailer Discounts
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay
• Length of Service Awards
• Christmas Vouchers
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives
• An additional day off for your birthday
• Discounted Gym Membership

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.