Technician or Advanced Technician - Pilot Line Operator

Ncc - Innovating For Industry; Northwich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering advanced materials team is seeking experienced Technicians to join their innovative Carbon Fibre development team at their Northwich facility. The role involves operating laboratory equipment, conducting testing and ensuring safety compliance. Ideal candidates will have senior technician experience in a chemical process environment, strong troubleshooting skills, and a chemistry background. Enjoy annual salary reviews, private medical insurance, and a supportive work culture focused on development and wellbeing.

Benefits

Annual salary reviews

Company paid private medical insurance

Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution

Qualifications

• Experience in process development, manufacturing, pilot scale processing, or laboratory.
• Knowledge of composite materials or fibre reinforcements would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Operate pilot-scale and laboratory equipment for PAN polymer solution preparation.
• Conduct testing and analysis of precursor fibres and Carbon Fibre outputs.
• Follow safe operating procedures when handling chemicals and equipment.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Communication

MS Office skills

Education

Senior Technician level experience in a chemical process related environment

Job description

This is an exciting time for NCC. We are recruiting experienced Technicians and Advanced Technicians to join a new NCC advanced materials team, based in at NCC Carbon Fibre Line Facility at Cygnet Texkimp, Northwich, Cheshire West. The team are tasked with developing a strategic UK capability for Carbon Fibre and precursor materials development. Collaborating with partner research organisations and serving industry needs, you will be at the heart of delivering research and technology projects to advance what's possible with this high-performance fibre used across sectors such as Aerospace, Defence and Clean Energy. As an experienced Technician within our pilot facility, you will provide hands‑on support to experimental work, equipment operation and day‑to‑day running of the pilot lines. You will work with Research Engineers and senior technical staff to operate equipment safely, carry out laboratory testing, maintain good documentation and ensure high‑quality execution of experimental plans. This role is well suited to individuals with practical laboratory, chemistry or chemical process experience who are looking to grow their technical skills in a cutting‑edge research environment.

Responsibilities

Pilot Line Operation

• Operate pilot-scale and laboratory equipment for PAN polymer solution preparation, wet spinning and Carbon Fibre conversion.
• Prepare chemicals and materials for PAN polymer solution processing.
• Oversee daily pilot line activities and ensure safe, compliant and consistent operation.
• Support maintenance, inspections, basic fault finding and equipment performance monitoring.

Laboratory Testing & Experimental Support

• Conduct testing and analysis of precursor fibres, intermediate materials and Carbon Fibre outputs.
• Follow experimental plans developed by Research Engineers, ensuring accurate execution and reliable data collection.
• Record process conditions, measurements and test results with precision and clarity.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Follow safe operating procedures when handling chemicals, equipment and materials.
• Carry out routine safety checks and record hazards, near misses and incidents promptly.
• Assist with the creation of risk assessments and COSHH documentation for new or routine activities.

Team Support

• Provide feedback and suggestions for improving operational processes and procedures.
• Engage actively in team meetings, safety briefings and technical discussions.
• Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe and well‑organised laboratory and pilot plant environment.

Qualifications

• Senior Technician level experience in a chemical process related environment: Process development, manufacturing, pilot scale processing, or Laboratory.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Good MS Office skills.
• Experience writing procedures and technical documentation.
• Knowledge or background in chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, process engineering.
• Knowledge of composite materials or fibre reinforcements would be beneficial.

Annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.