Job Title: Laboratory Specialist

Location: Broughton, UK

Duration: 12 Months

Work Type: Fully Onsite

Job Type: Temporary Assignment

Overview:

TekWissen is a global workforce management provider throughout the UK, Europe and many other countries in the world. Client, a global leader in aerospace, defense, and space. With major operations in the UK, Client is at the forefront of innovation in aviation and technology. With operations in commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense systems, and space exploration, Client employs over 130,000 people worldwide.

Job Description:

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Laboratory Specialist to perform laboratory testing, materials analysis, and process inspections to ensure product quality, material compliance, and manufacturing excellence. This role requires strong hands-on laboratory expertise combined with technical knowledge in materials science, metallurgy, and industrial processes.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Testing

• Perform tensile, hardness (Vickers, Knoop), and other mechanical tests in line with ASTM, ISO, AITM, and related standards.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory testing equipment.
• Analyse results and prepare technical reports for engineering and production teams.

Metallography & Materials Analysis

• Prepare samples through cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching.
• Conduct microscopic examination of metallic materials and coatings.
• Evaluate grain structure, weld penetration, phase distribution, and coating thickness.
• Identify defects, inclusions, and anomalies.
• Support failure investigations through root cause and microstructural analysis.

Process Inspection & Technical Support

Provide technical support and process validation for:

• Heat treatment processes (annealing, tempering, quenching, case hardening)
• Chemical surface treatments (anodising, phosphating, plating, etching)
• Mechanical surface treatments (shot peening, blasting, polishing)
• Protective coatings, paints, primers, and corrosion prevention systems

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain laboratory procedures and work instructions.
• Ensure accurate recording of test results within quality systems.
• Interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, and standards.
• Support continuous improvement and corrective action activities.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar field
• Hands-on laboratory experience in materials testing
• Strong knowledge of metallography and mechanical testing
• Understanding of industrial special processes and coatings
• Ability to interpret ASTM, ISO, AMS, and engineering standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Technical report writing and data analysis capability
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Skills

• Experience in aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing industries
• Knowledge of failure analysis and root cause methods
• Familiarity with Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 / ISO 17025 quality systems
• Experience using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope)

TekWissen® Group is an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.