At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct chemical analysis and support quality in aerospace manufacturing.
- Company: Join Airbus, a leading aerospace manufacturer with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, overtime opportunities, and 20% shift uplift.
- Other info: Collaborate with skilled teams and gain exposure to advanced analytical techniques.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a high-tech lab environment while developing your chemistry skills.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Chemistry or HNC with relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 29.49 - 29.49 £ per hour.
Location: Broughton, Cheshire (Fully Onsite)
Contract: 12 Months (Potential for Extension)
Pay Rate: £29.49 per hour PAYE | £39.45 per hour Umbrella
Security Clearance: BPSS+ (completed by Airbus Security)
Shift Pattern: Double Day Shift with 20% Shift Uplift
Are you a chemistry professional looking to apply your expertise in a highly advanced manufacturing environment? Airbus is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to join its Materials Laboratory team in Broughton, supporting the quality, performance, and compliance of materials and manufacturing processes used in the production of world-leading aircraft.
This is an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge analytical technologies, collaborate with engineering and production teams, and contribute directly to the delivery of high-quality aerospace products. Whether you are an experienced laboratory professional or looking to further develop your industrial chemistry career, this role offers exposure to a broad range of analytical techniques and specialist manufacturing processes.
What You'll Be Doing
As a Laboratory Specialist, you will play a key role in maintaining product quality and process performance through a variety of laboratory-based activities. Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting chemical analysis of surface treatment chemicals, rinse tanks, effluent, sealants, paints and hydraulic fluids
- Performing sample preparation, dilutions and laboratory testing using a range of analytical techniques
- Operating, calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment
- Analysing test results and producing clear technical reports for engineering and production stakeholders
- Supporting investigations into non-conformance and failure analysis activities
- Leading laboratory trials for new products and manufacturing processes before implementation on the shop floor
- Collaborating with manufacturing teams to identify process deviations and implement corrective actions
- Developing and maintaining laboratory procedures, work instructions and quality documentation
- Conducting and reviewing COSHH assessments and risk assessments
- Ensuring all testing activities are accurately recorded within quality management systems
- Interpreting technical specifications, engineering drawings and industry standards
Analytical Techniques You'll Work With
This role offers extensive hands-on experience with a range of advanced laboratory methods, including:
- Ion Chromatography (IC)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
- X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Manual and automated titration techniques
- Surface tension testing
- Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analysis
- Surfactant testing
- Coating and materials analysis
About You
We're looking for a motivated and detail-focused individual who enjoys problem-solving and working in a technically challenging environment.
Essential Requirements
- BSc or MSc in Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline
- Alternatively, an HNC in Chemistry supported by relevant industrial experience
- Experience working in a practical laboratory environment carrying out chemical analysis
- Strong understanding of chemical testing principles and analytical methodologies
- Experience with sample preparation and dilution techniques
- Knowledge of chemical surface treatments and coating systems
- Ability to interpret technical specifications and recognised industry standards
- Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience in a similar industrial laboratory environment
- Failure analysis and root cause investigation experience
- Knowledge of metallurgical techniques
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 17025 or similar quality management systems
- Experience using advanced analytical instrumentation
Specialist Process Knowledge
Experience or knowledge in any of the following areas would be advantageous:
- Chemical surface treatment processes, including anodising, etching, plating and conversion coatings
- Mechanical surface treatments such as shot peening
- Corrosion protection systems, including primers, paints and specialist coatings
What's in It for You?
- Join one of the world's leading aerospace manufacturers
- Work with advanced laboratory equipment and industry-leading technologies
- Develop specialist expertise in aerospace materials, coatings and manufacturing processes
- Gain exposure to a wide variety of analytical techniques and testing methodologies
- Collaborate with highly skilled engineers, scientists and manufacturing teams
- Opportunity to enhance your technical knowledge within a complex, regulated industry
- Competitive hourly rate with overtime opportunities
- 20% shift uplift for shift working
Shift Pattern
This position operates on a rotating shift pattern: Alternating weeks of mornings and afternoons, Monday to Friday
- Morning Shift: 06:00 to 13:10
- Afternoon Shift: 13:30 to 20:40
- Up to 8 weeks of night shifts per year (maximum)
If you're passionate about chemistry, laboratory science and delivering quality within a world-class manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your scientific career with Airbus.
Laboratory Specialist employer: Guidant Global
Guidant Global is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in high-volume recruitment. With a strong emphasis on employee development and collaboration, team members benefit from ongoing training opportunities and the chance to build meaningful relationships with clients across the Midlands area. The hybrid working model not only promotes work-life balance but also allows for flexibility and autonomy in managing your workload.
