Polymer Laboratory Technologist in Blackburn

Company Overview

Founded in 1975, with its head office in Blackburn, England, PPE operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and the US, plus sales offices and Channel Partner networks across the US, Europe and Asia. PPE manufactures high-performance O-rings and sealing components using advanced elastomer materials and precision designs that extend equipment life. Seals are critical to the function of industrial systems, and PPE’s solutions are trusted in the most demanding environments. Today, PPE offers over 200 elastomer grades used globally across industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, food and pharma manufacturing, marine and power generation, aerospace, and semiconductors. The company’s success is built on the continual development of new elastomer materials combined with exceptional levels of customer service and technical support.

Location: Blackburn based - On Site

Working Hours: 08.30 - 17.00 Monday - Friday, flexi time available accruing up to an additional days leave per quarter

Holiday: 25 Days increasing with length of service

Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 per annum

Bonus: Up to 15%

Summary

Part of the IDEX Corporation, Precision Polymer Engineering Ltd is a manufacturer and supplier of high performance, niche elastomer seals used in critical applications around the globe. At IDEX we are focused on attractive markets where there is sustainable competitive advantage based on technology leading to high growth and profitability. We are fast growing and successful with over £1 billion annual sales.

Primary Function

We are seeking a Polymer Laboratory Technologist to join our Materials Development team. This role plays a key part in supporting research and development through advanced materials characterisation and testing. You will be responsible for delivering high quality experimental work, analysing complex data, and contributing to the development of innovative materials. Working within a global environment, you will collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders across different regions to support cutting edge R&D projects.

Reports To: Laboratory Manager

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced materials characterisation, including:
• Thermal analysis (TGA, DSC)
• Chemical immersion testing
• Microscopy techniques (Keyence, SEM/EDX)
• Mechanical testing of elastomers and thermoplastics
• Analyse experimental data and produce clear, accurate technical reports
• Support R&D projects through reliable, high-quality laboratory work
• Develop and refine testing methods to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment
• Ensure compliance with laboratory standards, procedures, and safety requirements
• Collaborate with internal teams across global locations to share insights and support project delivery

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• HNC/HND or Degree in Materials Science, Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline
• Practical, hands‑on experience in a polymer or materials laboratory environment
• Experience with thermal analysis techniques (TGA/DSC preferred)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to interpret technical data and communicate findings effectively
• Well‑organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Desirable:

• Experience with SEM/EDX and advanced microscopy techniques
• Knowledge of polymers, elastomers and thermoplastics
• Previous experience supporting R&D or product development activities
• Familiarity with method development and continuous improvement practices

Competency Requirements

Job Knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of job function
• Keen to expand knowledge base and seeks out new and updated information
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, skills, equipment, procedures and materials
• Applies knowledge to identify issues and internal problems; works to develop additional technical knowledge and skills

Communication (Verbal & Written)

• Open and honest in communication
• Good understanding of written and verbal English
• Communicates concisely, logically and in a timely fashion
• Ensures that others have the information they need to do their jobs; readily shares information
• Holds others’ attention

Housekeeping

• Ensure that own work area is kept clean and tidy at all times and that no walkways are blocked
• At end of shift, always follow agreed cleaning procedure
• Have pride in area of work, encouraging colleagues to do the same

Action/Results Orientated

• Identifies opportunities and initiates actions to achieve objectives
• Creates a sense of urgency within the organisation; encourages others to be accountable for and achieve results
• Not fearful of acting with limited planning or supervision; willing to take the initiative to accomplish desired results
• Enthusiastic and committed; demonstrates capacity for sustained effort and hard work over long time periods

Attendance

• Demonstrate high levels of attendance at all times
• Ability to be flexible if required based on business needs

Problem Solving

• Adapts well to changing priorities, deadlines and directions
• Works to eliminate all processes which do not add value
• Is willing to take action, even under pressure, criticism or tight deadlines
• Recognises and accurately evaluates the signs of a problem
• Analyses current procedures for possible improvements
• Notifies Cell Leader of problems in a timely manner

Quality

• Performs tasks with care; is thorough. Makes few, if any, errors
• Checks work to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Compares observations or finished work to what is expected to find inconsistencies.
• Remains aware and takes care of details that are easy to overlook or dismiss as insignificant

Initiative

• Creates solutions to problems
• Operates effectively in a changing and pressured environment

Decision Making

• Breaks problems into logical steps; identifies obstacles and potential causes or problems
• Makes decisions and solves problems in a timely manner; able to make good decisions under time constraints
• Assess risk and carefully considers options before acting
• Gain support for solutions by providing sound reasoning for his/her ideas; explains the logic behind suggestions

Planning / Organisation

• Identifies the sequence of tasks and the resources needed to achieve a goal
• Ability to prioritise key actions to achieve output
• Coordinates workload and resources to achieve goals

Teamwork

• Actively encourages people to work together; fosters a cooperative environment
• Builds trust, rapport and team cohesion by soliciting others’ input, listening to their needs and ideas, and discussing potential compromises/solutions
• Creates a sense of team spirit by sharing group successes; recognises the value of teamwork
• Works effectively with various different individuals and departments to achieve a positive end result
• Supportive of team members; approachable, flexible, can play various team roles

Lead through Influence

• Exerts a positive influence on others, even in challenging situations
• Influence others to be excited and committed to furthering the organisation’s objectives
• Demonstrates ability to work with team members to meet a common goal
• Create a positive and upbeat atmosphere
• Demonstrate sound and constructive communication to colleagues and management
• Promote and demonstrate open, honest, two way communication
• Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems

Attitude / Behaviours

• Shows role model behaviour at all times
• Engages themselves positively in their place of work
• Seek to find answers from the correct source if unsure; not willing to get involved in idle gossip
• Clarify situations without second guessing