R&D Laboratory Research Engineer - Sittingbourne, Kent

R&D Laboratory Research Engineer – Sittingbourne, Kent About DS SmithDS Smith are a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services in more than 30 different countries. It’s a very exciting time to join, as we have committed to investing in our future across our strategic growth enablers within Innovation (R&D), Sustainability and Digital & Data. About the role We are looking for enthusiastic and committed R&D Laboratory Research Engineer to join our growing R&D team.A role based in our flagship Kemsley Mill within the Fibre & Paper Development Laboratory, the will be providing laboratory test and support facilities to the DS Smith Group to enable improved knowledge of our products and their lifecycle. You will be involved in the fabrication and testing of the material properties of fibre-based packaging, ensuring the highest quality for our customers.This role will suit someone who can work on their own with a low level of guidance or daily input but can also work to detailed test protocols. The role will have a mixture of routine testing and analysis but also the opportunity to develop test methodologies and product technologies, as well as relevant lines of investigative inquiry, supporting the Group R&D + Innovation teams.As the successful candidate you will ensure test protocols are fully understood and followed, continually seeking improvements that can be made to assist in the development of the process and products. You will maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity in lab-based working, and confidentiality as the work you will conduct will contain levels of commercial/technical sensitivity. You will demonstrate excellent reporting skills, using various tools such as the Microsoft suite to report accurate data test and record relevant information. You will keep up to date records of tests requested, in progress and reported to measure against KPI’s. You will also ensure the laboratory and its equipment are maintained and of the correct standard to deliver high-quality data. About you Minimum requirements: Educated to a BSC level in science preferably in Technical/Engineering, Physics or ChemistryWould suit someone with experience in a laboratory environment, although full training would be provided for the successful applicant.Competence in the suite of Microsoft Office applications is required.Would suit someone with a mix of practical and theoretical ability.High degree of numeracy required for laboratory operations, testing and data analysisExperience within the Paper / Packaging Industry would be an advantage although any experience in a test/quality position in large manufacturing industry would also be suitable.Must be able to speak and write English to a professional standard Benefits Competitive salary Company bonusPension scheme Life assurance Income protection 25 days holiday plus bank holidays EV & Annual Cycle to Work Scheme To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.