Sustaining Scientist

Viceroy Engineering; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Viceroy Engineering is seeking a Sustaining Scientist to support and enhance market-leading detection systems used across aviation and critical infrastructure. You will design experiments, analyse data, and contribute to product development and regulatory support.

The role requires a PhD in Chemistry or Physics (preferred) with excellent report writing and communication skills. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and occasional external testing are part of the job.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or Physics or related discipline (preferred).
• Experience planning and conducting experimental investigations.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Experience working with analytical instrumentation in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute scientific experiments to investigate product performance.
• Analyse complex datasets and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Support the introduction of new capabilities into existing products.
• Contribute to algorithm development and performance optimisation activities.
• Provide scientific expertise to Product Managers, engineers, customers and regulators.
• Produce clear technical reports, presentations and documentation.
• Investigate product issues and identify root causes through structured experimentation.
• Support scientific aspects of products and consumables throughout their lifecycle.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across product management, engineering and science functions.
• Occasionally supporting external testing, trials and industry events.

Skills

Experimental planning

Data analysis

Analytical instrumentation

Technical report writing

Scientific communication

Independent working

Problem solving

Security clearance eligibility

Education

PhD in Chemistry or Physics

Master's degree + industrial experience (desirable)

Tools

Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Mass Spectrometry

Spectroscopy

Analytical instrumentation development

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a Sustaining Scientist to join our Portfolio Team, supporting and enhancing market-leading chemical, explosives and narcotics detection systems used across aviation, critical infrastructure, border security and other regulated environments.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Sustaining Scientist, you will support existing detection products and contribute to their ongoing development and performance improvement.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Designing and executing scientific experiments to investigate product performance and solve technical challenges
• Analysing complex datasets and translating findings into practical recommendations
• Supporting the introduction of new capabilities, chemicals and detection requirements into existing products
• Contributing to algorithm development and performance optimisation activities
• Providing scientific expertise to Product Managers, engineers, customers and regulators
• Producing clear technical reports, presentations and documentation
• Investigating product issues and identifying root causes through structured experimentation
• Supporting scientific aspects of products and consumables throughout their lifecycle
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across product management, engineering and science functions
• Occasionally supporting external testing, trials and industry events

What We’re Looking For

We're seeking someone who enjoys scientific problem-solving and can take ownership of technical investigations from concept through to conclusion.

• Experience planning and conducting experimental investigations
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills
• Experience working with analytical instrumentation in a laboratory environment
• The ability to design experiments from a high-level problem statement
• Excellent technical report writing and presentation skills
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to both scientific and non-scientific audiences
• A proactive and inquisitive approach to problem solving
• The confidence to challenge assumptions, identify gaps and propose solutions

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in:

• Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)
• Mass Spectrometry
• Spectroscopy or other advanced analytical techniques
• Instrument development, modification, troubleshooting or optimisation
• Analytical chemistry research and development environments
• Experimental design methodologies
• Computational data analysis and modelling

Applicants who have worked on the development, modification or optimisation of analytical instrumentation will be of particular interest.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will be someone who can take a broad technical challenge, determine the right scientific approach, design and execute experiments, interpret the results and clearly communicate recommendations.

We're looking for a scientist who can think critically, work independently and provide insight that shapes products used around the world.

**Please note:** Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC) as part of the role.

Qualifications

• A PhD in Chemistry, Physics or a related scientific discipline (preferred)

Desirable

• A Master's degree plus relevant industrial experience as a laboratory-based scientist

Additional Information

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.