Laboratory Specialist in Broughton

Location: North Wales Working Pattern: Fully onsite, rotating early and late shifts Contract: 12 months, with potential for extension Rate: Up to £39.45 per hour via Umbrella (+ shift uplift of between 20% and 50%) About the Role We are currently recruiting for an experienced Laboratory Specialist to join a major aerospace and advanced manufacturing organisation in North Wales. The role will focus on hands-on chemical analysis, laboratory testing and process control, supporting the manufacture and treatment of high-performance aerospace components. You will work closely with engineering, production and quality teams to ensure chemical processes and surface treatments remain within specification, while supporting product trials, non-conformance investigations and continuous improvement activity. This is a practical laboratory position suited to someone with a strong chemistry background who enjoys working in an industrial manufacturing environment rather than a purely academic or research setting. Key Responsibilities * Conduct chemical analysis of surface treatment and rinse tanks, effluent, sealants, paints and hydraulic fluids * Lead laboratory trials for new products and processes before their introduction into production * Perform chemical analysis using techniques including Ion Chromatography (IC), ICP-OES, XRF, FTIR, manual and automated titration, surface tension, COD, surfactant analysis and cloth analysis * Prepare and dilute samples accurately for analytical testing * Operate, calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment * Analyse test results and produce clear technical reports for engineering, production and quality teams * Support non-conformance and failure investigations through detailed chemical analysis * Work with production teams to investigate process deviations and support corrective actions * Provide technical support relating to chemical and mechanical surface treatment processes * Support processes including anodising, chemical conversion coatings, etching, plating, shot peening, painting and protective coating systems * Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, work instructions and technical documentation * Complete and review COSHH assessments and risk assessments * Ensure laboratory testing and inspection activities are accurately recorded within the quality management system * Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and industry standards to determine appropriate testing requirements * Ensure laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with relevant ASTM, ISO, AMS and other applicable standards About You You will ideally have: * A BSc or MSc in Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline * Alternatively, an HNC in Chemistry or equivalent qualification combined with relevant industrial experience * Hands-on experience working within a laboratory environment * Practical experience conducting chemical analysis, including sample preparation and dilution * Knowledge of analytical techniques such as IC, ICP, XRF, FTIR and titration * Strong understanding of chemical testing principles and analytical methods * Knowledge of chemical surface treatments and industrial coating systems * Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering documentation and industry standards * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills * Experience producing technical reports and analysing laboratory data * Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineering, production and quality teams Desirable Experience The following would be advantageous: * Experience working within aerospace, advanced manufacturing, chemical processing or a similar industrial environment * Experience with failure analysis and root cause investigation * Knowledge of metallurgical testing methods * Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or ISO 17025 quality systems * Experience using advanced analytical equipment such as SEM, IC, ICP, XRF or FTIR Working Pattern The role operates on a rotating double day shift pattern: Early Shift: 06:00 to 13:10 Late Shift: 13:30 to 20:40 The shifts alternate between mornings and afternoons on a weekly basis. There may also be a requirement to work a limited number of night shifts during the year. A shift premium is applicable