Chemist Apprentice

The company

Roxel is an Anglo-French Company that designs, develops and manufactures a range of solid propellant rocket motors for use in tactical missiles. Its operations are spread across several sites in the UK and France and it has an annual turnover of about £130M and over 900 staff.

The opportunity

Roxel has an exciting opening for a Chemist apprentice to work in Materials and Energetic labs whilst studying for a Chemistry Degree. This is a great opportunity for an individual to develop new skills and embark on a career with Roxel UK. You will gain an overall awareness and appreciation of the defence industry by supporting key areas such as design, development and manufacturing of rocket motors as well as developing specific skills in a lab-based environment, developing knowledge in the materials and energetics used to produce the products we make.

The apprenticeship will be through Manchester Metropolitan University, but will be fully based on site at Roxel.

Overview of role

The role will include training within the explosive laboratory, performing routine analysis including:-

• Infrared spectroscopy
• Karl Fischer Testing
• High Performance Liquid Chromatography
• Gravimetric Analysis
• Gas Chromatography
• Mechanical Testing
• Thermal Analysis
• Many other techniques

There will then be the opportunity within the Energetics and Materials team to work on research programmes and develop and understand key materials.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to develop their skills and build a career at Roxel UK. You will gain an overall awareness and appreciation of the defence industry by supporting key areas such as design, development and manufacturing of rocket motors as well as developing specific skills in a lab-based environment, developing knowledge in the materials and energetics used to produce the products we make.

What qualities we are looking for:

• Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment
• Strong planning and prioritising activities
• Good communication and interpersonal skills at all levels of the organisation
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work on their own and with a team
• Good Microsoft and excel skills

What personality traits we are looking for:

• To be ethically happy working in the Defence industry
• Proactive attitude
• Confident to challenge when required when it comes to safety requirements

What qualifications we are looking for:

• GCSE grade 5 and above in English, Maths and Science
• To have achieved at least two subjects at A Level (or equivalent), including Chemistry.

Other information to consider:

• Aged 18+ due to site requirements