Meritus
Laboratory Specialist
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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
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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
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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
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