Sample Preparation Technician

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Trafford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Private medical

Annual leave

Maternity/paternity pay

Birthday day off

Gym membership

Job summary

SGS is seeking a hands-on Sample Preparation Technician for our coatings and materials testing laboratory in Manchester. The role focuses on preparing samples for testing, machining, labeling, and ensuring accuracy and safety in a fast-paced lab environment.

You will utilise cutting, drilling, milling and hand tools, working with CNC equipment and alongside experienced technicians to meet project deadlines.

Qualifications

• Hands-on, practical role with focus on accuracy and safety.
• Ability to follow procedures and technical instructions.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

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.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Safety focus

Organisational skills

Following procedures

Education

GCSE Maths & English

Tools

CNC mini mill

Hand tools

Machinery operation

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 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.

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

What We’re Looking For

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.

This role could suit candidates from backgrounds such as:

• 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
• A methodical approach with excellent attention to detail
• The ability to follow procedures and technical instructions accurately
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks
• A strong focus on quality and safety
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent)

Experience with CNC milling, 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.

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)
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay
• Length of Service Awards
• 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.