At a Glance
- Tasks: Support quality processes and contribute to product and process improvements in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Respected material manufacturing business committed to innovation and employee development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with hands-on experience and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in R&D while making a real impact on quality and innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific or engineering discipline with analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: West Midlands / Herefordshire Region
WFH: 2-3 days per week
Contract: Fixed-term (12 months – maternity cover)
Salary: Up to £35,000
About the Company
Our client is a respected and growing material manufacturing business with a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement. They offer a supportive environment where employees are encouraged to develop their skills and contribute to business success.
About the Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate or early-career professional to step into a Project Quality role within a well-established manufacturing environment. Ideal for individuals with a background in laboratory, R&D, or technical analysis, this role offers the chance to apply your analytical expertise in a project-driven, quality focused setting. You will gain hands-on experience supporting product and process changes, learning how quality frameworks are applied across the full lifecycle of manufacturing projects. Working closely with experienced quality leaders, you’ll develop your understanding of structured quality methodologies while contributing to real business improvements.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the implementation of quality processes aligned to change management and continuous improvement initiatives
- Assist in coordinating product and process validation activities, ensuring robust testing and documentation
- Contribute to the development of procedures aligned to APQP principles
- Participate in FMEA workshops (DFMEA & PFMEA), supporting risk identification and mitigation planning
- Assist in the design and execution of test plans for new and modified processes
- Analyse data sets to monitor process capability and performance trends
- Support laboratory-based activities, including equipment commissioning, calibration, and measurement system analysis (Gage R&R)
- Track project progress and support reporting for key stakeholders
- Contribute to project handovers and documentation for quality sign-off
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, and supply chain
- Support the rollout and understanding of quality tools and techniques across the wider business
Your Background
- Degree qualified in a scientific, engineering, materials, or quality-related discipline
- Experience gained through laboratory, R&D, or technical analysis roles (industry placement, internship, or early career role)
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
- Understanding or exposure to quality tools such as: FMEA, Statistical analysis / SPC, Capability analysis, Root cause problem solving (e.g. 8D)
- Confident in handling and interpreting data, ideally using tools such as Excel or statistical software (e.g. Minitab)
- Strong attention to detail and a structured, methodical approach
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams
- Eagerness to learn and develop within a project and quality-focused career path
Graduate R&D/Laboratory Technician employer: Mercury Hampton
Our client is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the West Midlands/Herefordshire region. With a strong focus on employee development and continuous improvement, this material manufacturing business provides graduates with hands-on experience and opportunities to grow their skills in a collaborative setting. The company values innovation and quality, making it an ideal place for early-career professionals to contribute meaningfully while advancing their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate R&D/Laboratory Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the R&D and laboratory fields on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to get your name out there and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to quality processes and analytical skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio! If you’ve worked on any projects during your studies or internships, compile them into a neat presentation. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We have loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate R&D/Laboratory Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Graduate R&D/Laboratory Technician role. Highlight any relevant experience in laboratory work, R&D, or technical analysis. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality and continuous improvement. Share specific examples of your analytical skills and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with quality tools like FMEA and statistical analysis. We love candidates who can demonstrate their analytical prowess, so be sure to include any relevant software experience, especially with Excel or Minitab.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercury Hampton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quality processes and methodologies like FMEA and APQP. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you're not just a graduate, but someone who’s ready to dive into the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with data analysis and tools like Excel or Minitab. Bring examples of how you've used these skills in past projects or internships to solve problems or improve processes.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the company's approach to continuous improvement or how they implement quality frameworks. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to group success in previous experiences.
