Job Description:

MATERIALS AND PROCESS LABORATORY TECHNICIAN - 3682-1

Initial 6-month contract (likely to be extended)
Stevenage - 4 days onsite per week
£33.56ph, UMB inside IR35

Please note, SC level Security Clearance must be in place prior to starting this position.

Overview of department:

Understanding the technology of Materials and their related use and manufacturing processes is a key part of ensuring that our products meet our demanding technical, cost and reliability requirements.

The Material team consists of a federated UK/Fr integrated team based in Mechanical Engineering, operating with a common process set and links to the other materials teams across the business. We have a wide range of test facilities and specialist knowledge within materials used across the business.

The Materials group can provide expertise, support and advice, including details of the laboratory facilities and contacts at our sites across the UK and France.

We achieve this by:

• Technical Guidance and Approval in the Selection, characterisation and Use of Materials and Related Processes across all projects.
• Materials testing, analysis and property verification for both design and manufacturing
• Assessing and Developing new and emerging technologies
• Materials and processes consultancy for the Government and MoD
• Representation on International, Government, MoD, Trade body, Strategic steering bodies and Standard Committees
• Support to REACH and RoHS adherence
• First Point of contact for Failure Investigations and Forensic Engineering
• Provide guidance in the use and control of Hazardous Materials
• Provide solutions for obsolescence
• Undertake Technical Assessment and Validation of Supplier / Sub-contractor Processes and Manufactured Parts
• Provide technical support to in country (offset) design and / or manufacture
• Quality Assessment of Bought-in items

Responsibilities:

Wide ranging testing and assessment of materials including metallic materials (aluminium, steels, titanium) and non-metallic materials including composites, polymers, paints and adhesives and related processes. Familiarity with general lab equipment is required and any experience of, XRF, SEM, EDX, OES, FTIR, paint inspection equipment and mechanical testing would be beneficial but not essential.

Preparation of test reports, interpretation of Engineering drawings and specifications is expected and use of other IT systems such as Word, Excel and Access.

Supporting all aspects of the materials lab with routine testing, inspection and characterisation, failure investigations, material selection, support to the supply chain, first article inspection report reviews and material relifing.
Support generating or assessment of compliance data such as REACh, RoHS or environmental aspects of engineering designs.

Support investigation and resolution of obsolescence due to supply chain, legislation or other factors
Support lab health and safety activities (Eg COSHH & Risk Assessments) and quality activities (Eg SOP writing)

Skillset/experience required:

• Practical Laboratory experience - hands on experience managing daily laboratory operations, including sample testing, logging, preparation and disposal
• Experience in the Aerospace or Defence Industry advantageous but not strictly required.
• Assessment of materials and components to established international standards including DEF STANs
• Experience performing routine calibration, troubleshooting and maintenance on lab equipment
• Experience supporting the selection, procurement and manufacture of engineering parts or components
• Familiarity working within a certified quality management team
• Proficiency in lab and data analytical software (Microsoft Excel, Matlab etc)
• Strict adherence to lab safety protocols including proper handling of hazardous chemicals, SDS management and wearing of appropriate PPE.
• Ability to accurately document test procedures, analyse raw data and write clear concise technical reports.