At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to assess materials and support engineering projects in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Be part of a world-class defence organisation based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive rate of £40.00 per hour, hybrid working, and a 4-day work week.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful projects while gaining hands-on experience in materials science and engineering.
- Qualifications: Manufacturing lab experience and knowledge of materials assessment are essential; chemistry background is a plus.
- Other info: Initial 6-month contract with potential for long-term opportunities and overtime pay.
World Class Defence Organisation based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire is currently looking to recruit a Materials and Process Laboratory Engineer subcontractor on an initial 6 month contract.
Rate: £40.00 per hour
Location: Stevenage
Hybrid / Remote working: The role will be onsite (there could be some ad hoc work from home). A 4-day week (Monday – Thursday) is available.
Contract: 37 Hours per week
Overtime: Hours worked over 37 hours per week will be calculated at ‘time and a quarter’
Duration: 6 Months (initially and then ongoing and long-term thereafter)
IR35 status: Inside IR35 (Umbrella)
Understanding the technology of Materials and their related use and manufacturing Processes is a key part of ensuring that our products meet our demanding technical, cost and reliability requirements. 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 support all areas of the business in matters related to materials and processes and has expertise in metallic, non-metallic, composite and other areas of materials science.
Technical Guidance and Approval:
- Selection, characterisation and Use of Materials and Related Processes across all projects.
- 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:
- Wide-ranging assessment of materials including metals, paints, adhesives, composites and related processes.
- Familiarity with general lab equipment is required and any experience of XRF, FTIR, SEM and EDX would be beneficial but not essential.
- A strong background in materials chemistry is desirable.
- Preparation of reports, interpretation of Engineering drawings and specifications is expected and use of other IT systems such as Word, Excel and Access.
- Supporting all aspects of the materials lab with failure investigations, materials selection, support to the supply chain, first article inspection report reviews, material inspection and characterisation, and other activities.
- Support generating or assessment of compliance data such as REACh, RoHS or environmental aspects of engineering designs.
Skillset/experience required:
- Manufacturing laboratory experience.
- Assessment of materials and components to established international standards including DEF STANs.
- Experience supporting the selection, procurement and manufacture of engineering parts or components.
- Knowledge of non-metallic material production and processing, including paints and adhesives.
Materials & Process Laboratory Technician employer: Certain Advantage
Contact Detail:
Certain Advantage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials & Process Laboratory Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific materials and processes relevant to the role. Research the latest advancements in materials science, especially in metallic and non-metallic materials, as well as composites. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence sector, particularly those involved in materials engineering. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can connect with others in the field. This could lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and any relevant software tools. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles, particularly in failure investigations or material assessments.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on compliance standards such as REACH and RoHS. Understanding these regulations will not only demonstrate your commitment to quality but also show that you are proactive about adhering to industry standards, which is crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials & Process Laboratory Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in materials and process engineering. Emphasise any laboratory experience, particularly with materials assessment and compliance with international standards.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the job description. Mention your familiarity with lab equipment and any relevant technical skills, such as knowledge of XRF, FTIR, SEM, and EDX, even if they are not essential.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to materials chemistry, failure investigations, and report preparation. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Certain Advantage
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the various materials you'll be working with, including metals, composites, and non-metallics. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these materials and how you've applied your knowledge in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Lab Equipment
While experience with specific equipment like XRF, FTIR, SEM, and EDX is beneficial, it's important to demonstrate your familiarity with general lab equipment. Highlight any relevant experience you have and express your willingness to learn about new tools.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to materials science and engineering processes. Brush up on key concepts and be ready to explain how you've approached challenges in past projects, particularly those involving failure investigations or compliance data.
✨Showcase Your Report Writing Skills
Since preparation of reports and interpretation of engineering drawings are part of the role, be ready to discuss your experience in these areas. Bring examples of reports you've written or projects where you've had to interpret complex specifications.