Laboratory Specialist - Chemistry

Job Description:

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance 

LOCATION: Broughton 

TYPE: Full time - Shift Work (Rotating Mornings & Afternoons) 

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, various optional salary sacrifice benefits, shopping discounts and much more

• Work / Life Balance: 35 hour week, flexible working around core hours, flexible working

• Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ E-learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities

• Health & Wellbeing: 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

• Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave, purpose built maternity rooms on site

• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi-faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity) 

Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero-carbon flight) to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose. So what's your next change?

The Laboratory Specialist is responsible for conducting a wide range of hands-on laboratory testing to validate material properties, product integrity, and process compliance. This role involves chemical sample preparation analysis, and auditing of special manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical background in chemistry, practical laboratory experience and a thorough understanding of industrial processes. 

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM 

• Advanced Chemical Testing & Analysis: Perform, document, and prepare precise samples for advanced chemical analysis—including IC, ICP-OES, XRF, FTIR, and manual/automated titrations—on surface treatments, fluids, paints, and effluent in alignment with AITM, ASTM, and ISO standards.
• Laboratory Operations & New Product Trials: Maintain, calibrate, and operate core laboratory equipment, while leading trial runs for new chemical products and processes prior to shop-floor implementation.
• Process Control & Non-Conformance Troubleshooting: Partner with engineering and production teams to investigate non-conformances, analyze test data, troubleshoot process deviations, and implement corrective actions.
• Technical Support for Surface Treatments & Standards: Provide expert technical guidance on anodizing, conversion coatings, shot peening, and corrosion-inhibiting paints, using engineering drawings and specifications to establish testing requirements.
• Quality Management & EHS Compliance: Maintain detailed procedures, log all test results within the Quality Management System (QMS), and conduct/review COSHH and risk assessments to ensure safety and quality standards are met.

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry or a closely related technical field. Alternatively Higher National Certificate in Chemistry or equivalent with industrial experience
• Theoretical knowledge of Ion Chromatography (IC) or similar, Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), X-ray fluorescence (XRF),  Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy & various titration types
• Proven experience in a hands-on laboratory environment undertaking chemical analysis involving sample preparation and dilutions.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of chemical testing theory & principles.
• In-depth understanding of special processes, chemical surface treatments, and coating systems (paints)
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO, AMS).
• Proficient in technical report writing and data analysis.

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU

Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part-time. Please talk to us at 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 under the Equality Act 2010 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 your application will be considered accordingly.

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 Limited

Employment Type:

Permanent

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Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Testing

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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.