Job Description:
SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to a BPSS check (including a criminal record check)
TRAVEL REQUIRED: Occasional travel within UK
LOCATION: Broughton
This role is a shift base role on early- shift, Late -Shift. Also Nightshift which is on a rota basis.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, season ticket loan, tax-free technology scheme, shopping discounts and much more
Work / Life Balance: 35 hour week, This may include Days, Double-days and Nightshift. Due to site ramp up there are currently multiple positions available across these shifts with differing shift premiums, flexible working, option to buy/sell holiday
Personal Development: Personalised development plan, Airbus Leadership University and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities
Health & Wellbeing: Bupa health insurance, wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle-to-work scheme, on-site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime yoga / meditation
Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave and caregiving
Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero-carbon flight (#ZEROe) to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose. So what's your next change?
About the Role
The Laboratory Specialist is responsible for conducting a wide range of hands-on laboratory tests and inspections to validate material properties, product integrity, and process compliance. This role involves metallographic preparation and analysis, mechanical testing, and auditing of special manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical background in materials science combined with practical laboratory experience and a thorough understanding of industrial processes.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Testing:
Perform and document a variety of mechanical tests including tensile and hardness (Vickers, Knoop) in accordance with AITM, ASTM, ISO, and other relevant standards.
Operate, calibrate, and maintain mechanical testing equipment.
Analyse test data, generate comprehensive reports, and communicate results to engineering and production teams.
Metallography and Materials Analysis:
Conduct metallographic sample preparation, including sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching of various metallic alloys.
Perform microscopic examinations to evaluate microstructural features such as grain size, phase distribution, weld penetration, and coating thickness.
Utilise microscopy techniques to identify defects, inclusions, and anomalies.
Support failure analysis investigations by providing detailed microstructural evaluation.
Process Inspection and Control: Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot process deviations and implement corrective actions. Have knowledge of and be able to provide technical support to regarding the following;
Heat Treatments: Annealing, quenching, tempering, case hardening, etc.
Chemical Surface Treatments: Anodizing, chemical conversion coatings, phosphating, etching, and plating.
Mechanical Surface Treatments: Shot peening, abrasive blasting, and polishing.
Corrosion Inhibiting Coatings: Application of paints, primers, and specialised protective coatings.
Develop and maintain laboratory procedures and work instructions.
Ensure all testing and inspection activities are accurately documented in the quality management system.
Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and standards to determine testing and inspection requirements.
Qualifications and Skills
Required:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
Proven experience in a hands-on laboratory environment undertaking materials testing.
Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of metallography and mechanical testing principles.
In-depth understanding of special processes, specifically heat treatments, chemical/mechanical surface treatments, and coating systems.
Ability to interpret technical specifications and industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO, AMS).
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Proficient in technical report writing and data analysis.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Preferred:
Experience in a similar role within industry.
Experience with failure analysis and root cause investigation techniques.
Familiarity with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.
Knowledge of quality management systems such as ISO 9001, ISO17025
Hands-on experience with advanced analytical equipment such as Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM)
This role is a shift base role on early shift, Late Shift and Nightshift on a rota basis.
How we can support you
Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request.
Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process – you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.
As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long-term condition and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To opt in, just select the option during your application submission and our Talent Acquisition team will contact you.
#LI-AB1
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company:
Airbus Operations LimitedEmployment Type:
Permanent-------
Experience Level:
ProfessionalJob Family:
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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [email protected].
At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.
