Laboratory Specialist

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
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed