Laboratory Specialist

Laboratory Specialist

Location: Broughton, Cheshire (Fully Onsite)
Contract: 12 Months (Potential for Extension)
Pay Rate: £29.49 per hour PAYE | £39.45 per hour Umbrella
Security Clearance: BPSS+ (completed by Airbus Security)
Shift Pattern: Double Day Shift with 20% Shift Uplift

Join Airbus as a Laboratory Specialist

Are you a chemistry professional looking to apply your expertise in a highly advanced manufacturing environment? Airbus is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to join its Materials Laboratory team in Broughton, supporting the quality, performance, and compliance of materials and manufacturing processes used in the production of world-leading aircraft.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge analytical technologies, collaborate with engineering and production teams, and contribute directly to the delivery of high-quality aerospace products. Whether you are an experienced laboratory professional or looking to further develop your industrial chemistry career, this role offers exposure to a broad range of analytical techniques and specialist manufacturing processes.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Laboratory Specialist, you will play a key role in maintaining product quality and process performance through a variety of laboratory-based activities.

Your responsibilities will include:

Conducting chemical analysis of surface treatment chemicals, rinse tanks, effluent, sealants, paints and hydraulic fluids
Performing sample preparation, dilutions and laboratory testing using a range of analytical techniques
Operating, calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment
Analysing test results and producing clear technical reports for engineering and production stakeholders
Supporting investigations into non-conformance and failure analysis activities
Leading laboratory trials for new products and manufacturing processes before implementation on the shop floor
Collaborating with manufacturing teams to identify process deviations and implement corrective actions
Developing and maintaining laboratory procedures, work instructions and quality documentation
Conducting and reviewing COSHH assessments and risk assessments
Ensuring all testing activities are accurately recorded within quality management systems
Interpreting technical specifications, engineering drawings and industry standardsAnalytical Techniques You'll Work With

This role offers extensive hands-on experience with a range of advanced laboratory methods, including:

Ion Chromatography (IC)
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Manual and automated titration techniques
Surface tension testing
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analysis
Surfactant testing
Coating and materials analysisAbout You

We're looking for a motivated and detail-focused individual who enjoys problem-solving and working in a technically challenging environment.

Essential Requirements

BSc or MSc in Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline
Alternatively, an HNC in Chemistry supported by relevant industrial experience
Experience working in a practical laboratory environment carrying out chemical analysis
Strong understanding of chemical testing principles and analytical methodologies
Experience with sample preparation and dilution techniques
Knowledge of chemical surface treatments and coating systems
Ability to interpret technical specifications and recognised industry standards
Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and collaborativelyDesirable Experience

Previous experience in a similar industrial laboratory environment
Failure analysis and root cause investigation experience
Knowledge of metallurgical techniques
Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 17025 or similar quality management systems
Experience using advanced analytical instrumentationSpecialist Process Knowledge

Experience or knowledge in any of the following areas would be advantageous:

Chemical surface treatment processes, including anodising, etching, plating and conversion coatings
Mechanical surface treatments such as shot peening
Corrosion protection systems, including primers, paints and specialist coatingsWhat's in It for You?

Join one of the world's leading aerospace manufacturers
Work with advanced laboratory equipment and industry-leading technologies
Develop specialist expertise in aerospace materials, coatings and manufacturing processes
Gain exposure to a wide variety of analytical techniques and testing methodologies
Collaborate with highly skilled engineers, scientists and manufacturing teams
Opportunity to enhance your technical knowledge within a complex, regulated industry
Competitive hourly rate with overtime opportunities
20% shift uplift for shift workingShift Pattern

This position operates on a rotating shift pattern:

Alternating weeks of mornings and afternoons, Monday to Friday
Morning Shift: 06:00 to 13:10
Afternoon Shift: 13:30 to 20:40
Up to 8 weeks of night shifts per year (maximum)Why Airbus?

If you're passionate about chemistry, laboratory science and delivering quality within a world-class manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your scientific career with Airbus.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy