Materials & Process Laboratory Technician

Materials and Process Laboratory Technician

Contract Details

• Rate: £33.56 per hour (Umbrella)
• Contract Length: Initial 6-month contract with possible extension
• Location: Stevenage
• Working Pattern: 4 days onsite per week
• Security Clearance: Candidates must be SC eligible to start the role

The Material team consists of a federated UK/FR integrated team based in Mechanical Engineering, operating with a common process set and links to the other materials teams across the business. We have a wide range of test facilities and specialist knowledge within materials used across the business.

The Materials group can provide expertise, support and advice, including details of the laboratory facilities and contacts at our sites across the UK and France.

We Achieve This By:

• Technical Guidance and Approval in the Selection, Characterisation and Use of Materials and Related Processes across all projects
• Materials testing, analysis and property verification for both design and manufacturing
• Assessing and Developing new and emerging technologies
• Materials and processes consultancy for the Government and MoD
• Representation on International, Government, MoD, Trade body, Strategic steering bodies and Standard Committees
• Support to REACH and RoHS adherence
• First Point of Contact for Failure Investigations and Forensic Engineering
• Provide guidance in the use and control of Hazardous Materials
• Provide solutions for obsolescence
• Undertake Technical Assessment and Validation of Supplier/Sub-contractor Processes and Manufactured Parts
• Provide technical support to in-country (offset) design and/or manufacture
• Quality Assessment of Bought-in items

Responsibilities Materials Testing and Assessment

• Wide ranging testing and assessment of materials including metallic materials (aluminium, steels, titanium) and non-metallic materials including composites, polymers, paints and adhesives and related processes.
• Familiarity with general lab equipment is required.
• Experience of XRF, SEM, EDX, OES, FTIR, paint inspection equipment and mechanical testing would be beneficial but not essential.

Documentation and Reporting

• Preparation of test reports.
• Interpretation of Engineering drawings and specifications.
• Use of IT systems such as Word, Excel and Access.

Laboratory Support

• Supporting all aspects of the materials lab, including:
  • Routine testing
  • Inspection and characterisation
  • Failure investigations
  • Material selection
  • Support to the supply chain
  • First article inspection report reviews
  • Material relifing

Compliance and Environmental Support

• Support generating or assessment of compliance data such as REACh, RoHS or environmental aspects of engineering designs.
• Support investigation and resolution of obsolescence due to supply chain, legislation or other factors.

Health, Safety and Quality

• Support lab health and safety activities (e.g. COSHH & Risk Assessments).
• Support quality activities (e.g. SOP writing).

Skillset / Experience Required Laboratory Experience

• Practical Laboratory experience with hands-on experience managing daily laboratory operations, including:
  • Sample testing
  • Logging
  • Preparation
  • Disposal

Industry Experience

• Experience in the Aerospace or Defence Industry advantageous but not strictly required.

Materials and Standards

• Assessment of materials and components to established international standards including DEF STANs.

Equipment Maintenance

• Experience performing routine calibration, troubleshooting and maintenance on lab equipment.

Engineering Support

• Experience supporting the selection, procurement and manufacture of engineering parts or components.

Quality Management

• Familiarity working within a certified quality management team.

Data Analysis and Software

• Proficiency in lab and data analytical software (Microsoft Excel, Matlab etc).

Safety and Compliance

• Strict adherence to lab safety protocols including:
  • Proper handling of hazardous chemicals
  • SDS management
  • Wearing of appropriate PPE

Reporting and Technical Communication

• Ability to accurately document test procedures.
• Analyse raw data.
• Write clear, concise technical reports.