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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