Laboratory Technician

Location: South Yorkshire, Sheffield, Rotherham

Sector: Metals testing / materials design & development

Salary: Negotiable according to experience

Hybrid: No, this is office based in South Yorkshire

Visa Support: No. UK passport holders only as security clearance may be required

About Us: Innoval provides research, technology and innovation consultancy services to the global aluminium industry and related sectors, including automotive, aerospace, packaging and construction. As part of the Danieli Group, we combine deep materials knowledge with practical manufacturing expertise to help clients improve products, processes, sustainability and operational performance. Through our ambitious Innoval 2030 growth plan, we are investing in the development of our people, capabilities and client offering, with the aim of accelerating sustainable growth and extending the value of our expertise into selected sectors beyond aluminium.

Our multidisciplinary team works across metallurgy, materials characterisation, surfaces and coatings, advanced manufacturing, process modelling, sustainable development, best-practice transfer and technical training. The role is based at Innoval's state-of-the-art facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

Purpose of the role: The Metallurgical Technician will provide practical laboratory and project support to the Materials Design & Development service group. The role focuses on preparing representative samples, carrying out routine metallurgical and mechanical testing, following documented laboratory procedures, and producing accurate, traceable data for review and interpretation by Materials Technologists, Engineers and Consultants. This is a hands-on, development-oriented position for someone who takes pride in careful practical work, reliable results and good laboratory discipline. The postholder will work as part of project teams and will flex their support across the group to help deliver client work safely, efficiently and to the required quality standard.

Key accountabilities and responsibilities:

• Prepare material samples for various methods of assessment and testing, ensuring identification and traceability is maintained.
• Carry out routine metallographic assessments, mechanical & surface testing techniques within a UKAS accredited laboratory.
• Operate within the laboratory and workshop in accordance with established risk assessments, procedures, and standards.
• Record and compile results for technical review and use within external customer reports and presentations.
• Take ownership of personal workload, communicating progress and constraints, completing assigned work within agreed timescales.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory methods, housekeeping, safety and operations systems.
• Work collaboratively across Innoval, providing practical support to colleagues when project priorities require it.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience:

• A technical qualification such as an apprenticeship, BTEC, HNC/HND or equivalent in metallurgy, materials science, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, laboratory science or a related discipline. Relevant practical experience may be considered in place of a formal qualification.
• Practical experience of working in a laboratory, materials-testing, metallography, engineering workshop or manufacturing environment is desirable.
• An understanding of metals and materials, ideally including aluminium alloys, is advantageous but not essential where there is clear aptitude and willingness to learn.
• Awareness of laboratory quality principles, controlled procedures, equipment checks, sample traceability and accurate record keeping.
• Competence with Microsoft Excel, Word and routine digital data handling; experience of microscopy or image-analysis software would be useful.
• Good numeracy and the ability to organise, check and present technical data accurately.
• Eligible and willing to undertake appropriate training for laboratory equipment, chemicals and safe systems of work.

Personal qualities:

• Hands-on, methodical and comfortable carrying out detailed practical work for sustained periods.
• Careful and quality-conscious, with strong attention to sample identity, procedure and data accuracy.
• A dependable team member who is willing to support colleagues and adapt to changing project priorities.
• Curious and willing to develop technical knowledge, practical skills and an understanding of client requirements.
• Able to follow instructions and documented methods while using sound judgement to stop and seek guidance when results or conditions are unexpected.
• Clear and professional in day-to-day communication, with a constructive approach to feedback and problem solving.
• Well organised and able to manage several laboratory tasks under appropriate supervision.

Working environment and development: The role will involve regular work in laboratory and sample-preparation areas and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Some manual handling and periods of standing may be required. Occasional work at other company, supplier or client locations may be possible, subject to project needs and suitable training. With experience and demonstrated competence, the postholder will be encouraged to broaden their testing capability, take greater ownership of laboratory work packages and develop towards more advanced technical responsibilities within the Materials Design & Development group.

About Us: We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies.