Laboratory Specialist

Location: North Wales
Working Pattern: Fully onsite, rotating early and late shifts
Contract: 12 months, with potential for extension
Rate: Up to £39.45 per hour via Umbrella (+ shift uplift of between 20% and 50%)

About the Role

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Laboratory Specialist to join a major aerospace and advanced manufacturing organisation in North Wales.

The role will focus on hands-on chemical analysis, laboratory testing and process control, supporting the manufacture and treatment of high-performance aerospace components.

You will work closely with engineering, production and quality teams to ensure chemical processes and surface treatments remain within specification, while supporting product trials, non-conformance investigations and continuous improvement activity.

This is a practical laboratory position suited to someone with a strong chemistry background who enjoys working in an industrial manufacturing environment rather than a purely academic or research setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct chemical analysis of surface treatment and rinse tanks, effluent, sealants, paints and hydraulic fluids
• Lead laboratory trials for new products and processes before their introduction into production
• Perform chemical analysis using techniques including Ion Chromatography (IC), ICP-OES, XRF, FTIR, manual and automated titration, surface tension, COD, surfactant analysis and cloth analysis
• Prepare and dilute samples accurately for analytical testing
• Operate, calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment
• Analyse test results and produce clear technical reports for engineering, production and quality teams
• Support non-conformance and failure investigations through detailed chemical analysis
• Work with production teams to investigate process deviations and support corrective actions
• Provide technical support relating to chemical and mechanical surface treatment processes
• Support processes including anodising, chemical conversion coatings, etching, plating, shot peening, painting and protective coating systems
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, work instructions and technical documentation
• Complete and review COSHH assessments and risk assessments
• Ensure laboratory testing and inspection activities are accurately recorded within the quality management system
• Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and industry standards to determine appropriate testing requirements
• Ensure laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with relevant ASTM, ISO, AMS and other applicable standards

About You

You will ideally have:

• A BSc or MSc in Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline
• Alternatively, an HNC in Chemistry or equivalent qualification combined with relevant industrial experience
• Hands-on experience working within a laboratory environment
• Practical experience conducting chemical analysis, including sample preparation and dilution
• Knowledge of analytical techniques such as IC, ICP, XRF, FTIR and titration
• Strong understanding of chemical testing principles and analytical methods
• Knowledge of chemical surface treatments and industrial coating systems
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering documentation and industry standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience producing technical reports and analysing laboratory data
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineering, production and quality teams

Desirable Experience

The following would be advantageous:

• Experience working within aerospace, advanced manufacturing, chemical processing or a similar industrial environment
• Experience with failure analysis and root cause investigation
• Knowledge of metallurgical testing methods
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17025 quality systems
• Experience using advanced analytical equipment such as SEM, IC, ICP, XRF or FTIR

Working Pattern

The role operates on a rotating double day shift pattern:

Early Shift: 06:00 to 13:10
Late Shift: 13:30 to 20:40

The shifts alternate between mornings and afternoons on a weekly basis.

There may also be a requirement to work a limited number of night shifts during the year.

A shift premium is applicable

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