Senior Laboratory Technician

AMETEK; Ramsgate; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace services provider is seeking a Senior Laboratory Technician for their Ramsgate facility. In this role, you will lead laboratory operations, ensure compliance with UK environmental legislation, and manage laboratory analysis and waste procedures. Candidates should possess a Chemistry Degree and demonstrate strong analytical and interpersonal skills, alongside the ability to work under pressure. This position emphasizes the importance of safety and environmental management.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or equivalent is required.
• Must be able to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Should be detail-oriented and able to handle multiple tasks under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory operations and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Perform chemical analysis of plating tanks and report on conditions.
• Oversee waste management and support EHS initiatives.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop control measures.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Chemistry Degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Overview

AEM Limited has been Europe's leading independent overhaul and repair facility for more than 60 years. The company has a solid reputation in the aerospace industry for providing a broad range of services to international and regional airlines, helicopter operators and airframe manufacturers.

We are currently looking for a Senior Laboratory Technician for our Ramsgate site.

Job Purpose

To lead laboratory operations in support of metal finishing processes, ensuring accurate analysis of plating tanks and effective waste management. This senior lead role will act as a technical authority and team coordinator. Accountable for the effective operation and continuous improvement of the laboratory and waste management processes, addressing any compliance-related issues promptly and professionally. Committed to fostering a strong safety culture while maintaining robust controls over occupational risks.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Analysis
• Perform and oversee chemical analysis of plating tanks (e.g., chrome, cadmium, nickel, silver, copper).
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of bath conditions and corrective actions.
• Support production teams with technical advice on tank maintenance and performance.
• Coordinate laboratory schedules, prioritising workload and ensuring quality standards.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration records, and chemical inventory.
• Lead waste sampling, classification, and coordination with waste contractors.
• Ensure compliance with COSHH, REACH, and site-specific chemical handling procedures.
• Support EHS initiatives and contribute to internal audits and inspections.

• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
• Ensure compliance with UK Environment legislation and regulations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of ISO standards (e.g., ISO 14001).
• Prepare for and manage external audits and inspections.

• Risk Management
• Conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses.
• Develop and implement control measures to mitigate risks.
• Lead, and/or support incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are taken.

• Policy & Procedure Development
• Create and update Laboratory and Environmental policies, procedures, and local instructions.
• Ensure policies are communicated and understood across the organization.
• Integrate Environmental considerations into engineering project planning.

• Training & Awareness
• Deliver or coordinate training programs for staff and contractors.
• Promote a safety culture through awareness campaigns and toolbox talks for plating analysis and environmental topics.
• Ensure new employees receive EHS inductions.

• Environmental Management
• Manage waste disposal, pollution control, and resource conservation.
• Oversee environmental impact assessments for projects.
• Drive initiatives to reduce the organization's carbon footprint.

• Risk Assessment for Health Hazards
• Identify and assess occupational health risks (e.g., exposure to hazardous substances, ergonomic risks).

Qualifications & Competencies

• Chemistry Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Ability to work well in multidiscipline/cross-functional teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build close-knit relationships.
• Strong analytical, administrative and organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and multitask.