Materials Laboratory Technician in Watford

Are you an experienced Laboratory Technician, Materials Technician, Metallurgical Technician or Materials Testing professional looking to work on some of the UK's most advanced engineering and defence programmes? Our client is seeking a Materials Laboratory Technician to join a specialist Materials and Process team supporting the development, testing and investigation of materials used in highly complex engineering products. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a modern laboratory environment, carrying out materials testing, failure investigations, sample analysis and technical reporting while collaborating with engineering teams across the UK and Europe.

What You'll Be Doing

• Conducting laboratory testing, inspection and characterisation of materials.
• Performing material investigations and supporting failure analysis activities.
• Analysing material properties to support design, manufacturing and quality assurance.
• Preparing samples, logging test data and maintaining laboratory records.
• Producing technical reports and presenting findings to engineering teams.
• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment including mechanical testing and microscopy equipment.
• Supporting material selection and manufacturing process investigations.
• Reviewing supplier and subcontractor material documentation and quality records.
• Supporting REACH, RoHS and environmental compliance activities.
• Contributing to laboratory quality, safety and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills & Experience

We're interested in candidates with practical laboratory experience gained within engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, automotive, research or materials testing environments.

Essential

• Hands-on laboratory experience including sample preparation, testing and documentation.
• Experience using laboratory test equipment and analytical instruments.
• Ability to accurately record, analyse and interpret technical data.
• Experience writing clear technical reports.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, COSHH and safe handling of hazardous materials.
• Experience with equipment calibration, troubleshooting and routine maintenance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.

Desirable

• Materials testing or materials characterisation experience.
• Metallurgy, materials science or materials engineering knowledge.
• Experience investigating material defects or failures.
• Aerospace, defence or highly regulated industry experience.
• Understanding of DEF STANs, REACH and RoHS requirements.
• Experience working within a certified quality management environment.

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by our clients Security Team.

This role is based at our client's headquarters in Stevenage, a key location for missile operations. The site offers excellent transportation links, an onsite gym, and a coffee shop.