Chemical Manufacturing Engineer

Are you a Chemist or Scientist looking to apply your expertise in a hands-on, real-world setting? Join us at Smiths Detection and help shape the next generation of chemical, explosives, and narcotics detection products. Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security. Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

We’re looking for a Chemistry Specialist Manufacturing Engineer to bring scientific rigour to our manufacturing team in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. This is a unique opportunity to blend experimental science with engineering supporting high performance detection technologies that keep people and critical infrastructure safe. Due to the sensitive nature of the work involved, we can only consider those applicants that will be eligible for UK Security Clearance; we are also unable to sponsor.

What you’ll be doing:

• Use your chemistry expertise to monitor and improve how our detection products perform on the production line.
• Investigate and solve complex product and process issues using experimental design and data analysis.
• Support the transition of new, cutting-edge detection products from R&D into full-scale manufacturing.
• Plan and run experiments, analyse results, and clearly communicate your findings to engineers, scientists, and manufacturing teams.
• Provide hands-on scientific input to troubleshoot problems, enhance performance, and guide decision-making across product lifecycles.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining practical lab-based work with production floor insight – and is excited by applying chemistry in a mission-driven engineering environment.

What you’ll bring:

• A Degree in a scientific discipline is essential – Chemistry, Analytical Science, or related fields.
• PhD is highly desirable, especially in a chemistry-related area.
• Strong experimental and data analysis skills – with the ability to design, conduct, and interpret lab-based investigations.
• Knowledge of Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Ion Chemistry is a big plus.
• Excellent communication skills – confident presenting findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A curious, self-starting mindset with strong organisation and problem-solving abilities.

What’s in it for you?

• Work on life-saving technologies that detect explosives, narcotics, and harmful chemicals.
• Collaborate with world-class engineers and scientists across disciplines.
• Get involved in the full product lifecycle – from lab testing to real-world trials and manufacturing scale-up.
• Enjoy a dynamic, supportive environment where your scientific skills directly influence product quality and safety.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc).