We are seeking a Characterisation Specialist to join our growing Characterisation Team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a wide range of metallurgical preparation and characterisation techniques, working on projects that directly support innovative research and nationally important engineering programmes.

The Characterisation Team provides specialist support to materials, mechanical testing, and corrosion programmes across ST&E through metallographic preparation, microscopy, specimen inspection, and materials analysis.

Whether you already have experience in a materials testing laboratory or are looking to build upon a strong technical foundation, we are interested in hearing from individuals who are curious, proactive, and keen to develop their skills in a collaborative scientific environment.

What You'll Be Doing

Supporting materials, corrosion, and mechanical testing programmes through the provision of high-quality characterisation data by:

• Preparing metallic specimens for examination through cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching.
• Conducting metallographic investigations using optical microscopy and associated characterisation techniques.
• Performing specimen inspection activities, including dimensional measurements, surface roughness measurements, and hardness testing.
• Maintaining laboratory equipment, records, and documentation to the highest standards of quality and traceability.
• Working safely within laboratory and quality management systems while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborating with scientists, engineers, and technicians across a broad range of technically challenging projects.

Here’s What You’ll Need

• A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification/experience) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, Physics, or another relevant scientific discipline.
• Practical experience of metallographic preparation techniques, including cutting, grinding, and polishing metallic samples.
• Experience using optical microscopy for materials characterisation.
• Knowledge of specimen inspection techniques, such as dimensional assessment, hardness testing, and general quality evaluation.
• Strong practical laboratory skills and enthusiasm for hands-on technical work.
• A meticulous approach to quality, attention to detail, and record keeping.
• A strong commitment to safety and safe working practices.

Desirable

• Experience of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
• Experience working within a materials testing, research, manufacturing, or engineering laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with metallurgical analysis and interpretation of microstructures.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and laboratory best practice.

Our Culture

Our values are built on a strong foundation of safety, integrity, and respect for every individual. People are at the heart of our mission, and we believe in supporting one another through a culture of care and collaboration.

We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. Supporting mental wellbeing and fostering a sense of connection are essential to how we work.

When we embrace different perspectives and work together, we become more innovative, more agile, and more successful.

We partner with VERCIDA, for greater online accessibility please visit www.vercida.com to view and access our roles. As a Disability Confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the Team.