Laboratory Technician in Cramlington

The Laboratory Technician supports the daily operations of the testing laboratory, providing technical and administrative assistance to Production, Quality, and Research & Engineering (R&E) functions. Reporting directly to the Engineering Materials and Test Manager, this role is responsible for executing routine laboratory testing, processing technical requests, maintaining accurate records, and supporting the Quality Management System (QMS). The position plays an important role in ensuring materials and products meet defined specifications, regulatory standards, and internal quality requirements. The Laboratory Technician contributes to continuous improvement and materials development initiatives in line with the R&E strategic development plan. The role includes basic decision‑making authority related to factory materials processing, including rubber compounds and rubberized textiles, within defined procedures, specifications, and escalation guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform Goods‑In, in‑process, and finished product testing in accordance with approved procedures and specifications.
• Prepare, record, analyse, and maintain accurate laboratory test results and documentation.
• Operate the material approval and release process and report out‑of‑specification results or trends to Quality management.
• Process Quality Assurance and new product development testing requests and issue inspection reports and Certificates of Conformity.
• Provide laboratory testing support and data to Production, Purchasing, Design, and Sales & Marketing teams.
• Collect and organise test data in support of materials improvement and Research & Engineering initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with the Quality Management System and all regulatory, statutory, and corporate HSE requirements.

Job Profile

• Has developed proficiency in a range of processes or procedures through job‑related training and considerable on‑the‑job experience.
• Completes a variety of atypical assignments, as needed.
• Works within defined processes and procedures or methodologies and may help determine the appropriate approach for new assignments.
• Has a good understanding of how the team integrates with others to achieve department objectives.
• Likely to act as an informal resource for associates with less experience.
• Provides solutions to problems in situations that are atypical based on existing precedents or procedures.
• Impacts the quality and quantity of own work and its contribution to the team.
• Uses communication skills to effectively exchange information; uses tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.

Keys to Success

• Requires expertise in a variety of work processes through a combination of job‑related training and/or considerable on‑the‑job experience.
• Requires proficiency in a range of analytical and technical processes or procedures to carry out assigned tasks.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.
• May provide informal guidance and support to team members; likely to act as an informal resource for associates with less experience.

Requirements and Preferred Skills

• 5-7 years of experience in a quality and/or manufacturing process environment.
• No degree requirements, however, a relevant professional qualification is preferred e.g. HNC in science related subject.
• Good working knowledge of PC packages and information systems (Windows, databases).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must possess good organizational skills and time management skills, allowing to multi‑task and facilitate quality, product and new product development driven demands.