Site Chemist

Gardner Aerospace Operations UK Limited; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturing company is seeking a Site Chemist for their Derby facility. This full-time role involves overseeing chemical processes and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Key responsibilities include managing laboratory activities, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Applicants should have a formal qualification in Chemistry and relevant technical experience in the aerospace sector, including knowledge of NADCAP standards. The role offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + 8 statutory holidays

Pension scheme

BUPA private healthcare

Death in service benefit

Long service awards

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Experience in the aerospace sector is essential.
• Auditor qualification preferred for AS9100 or ISO 9001.
• Knowledge of NADCAP chemical process auditing is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage chemical laboratory activities to meet customer specifications.
• Conduct compliance checks for etching and anodizing processes.
• Analyze quality data and implement improvements.

Skills

Formal qualification in Chemistry

Technical knowledge in aerospace

Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 standards

Knowledge of NADCAP chemical processes

Proficiency in FMEA, SPC, and CPk

Planning and organizational skills

Computer literacy

Strong communication skills

UK citizenship due to ITAR compliance

Education

Formal qualification in Chemistry

Job description

Site Chemist

Derby | 💼 Full-Time | 💷 £35,000 per annum

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Site Chemist to join our busy manufacturing operation at our Derby site. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in a high-performance aerospace environment, where quality, precision, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.

Working Hours

Monday – Thursday : 7 : 30am – 4 : 00pm

Friday : 7 : 30am – 12 : 30pm

Enjoy an early finish every Friday.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave + 8 statutory holidays
• Pension scheme
• BUPA private healthcare
• Death in service benefit
• Long service awards
• Free on-site parking

Role Purpose

The Site Chemist is responsible for managing and performing all chemical processes and testing activities on-site to ensure compliance with customer specifications, NADCAP requirements, and industry standards. This role plays a key part in maintaining product quality and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the aerospace sector.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations :

• Oversee all chemical laboratory activities, ensuring timely completion of tasks in line with customer specifications.
• Maintain conformance to NADCAP-approved test matrix, including :
• Salt spray tests
• Wet & dry tape adhesion and paint adhesion
• Coating weight of anodise / alocrom
• Impact testing
• Surface roughness, IGA & EGP
• Etch rate checks

Process Control & Compliance :

• Conduct daily and weekly conformance checks for etch tanks and anodise processes.
• Manage chemical stock control and ordering, including safe disposal of chemicals.
• Support customer audits and NADCAP audits through preparation and active participation.

Quality & Continuous Improvement :

• Attend quality meetings, update KPIs, and analyze data to identify trends and implement improvements.
• Contribute to cost-saving initiatives and process optimization.
• Review and update customer specifications to ensure compliance.

Health & Safety :

• Promote and enforce compliance with Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with safety representatives to maintain a safe working environment.

SQCDP Framework :

• Safety : Ensure adherence to company safety standards.
• Quality : Deliver “right first time” performance.
• Cost : Support cost-reduction initiatives.
• Delivery : Drive improvements in delivery performance.
• People : Foster a culture of inclusion, wellbeing, and collaboration.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Formal qualification in Chemistry (or equivalent experience).
• Technical knowledge and experience within the aerospace sector.
• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 standards; auditor qualification preferred.
• Knowledge of NADCAP chemical process auditing.
• Proficiency in FMEA, SPC, and process capability (CPk).
• Strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Computer literacy and excellent written / verbal communication skills.
• UK citizenship (due to ITAR compliance).
• Experience with alloy fabrication, machining, and chemical processes such as anodizing and etching.
• Understanding of NDT processes.
• Lean manufacturing knowledge (e.g., 5S, waste reduction) desirable