Posted 01/10/2026
Meritus Talent
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
