Site Chemist
đź“Ť Derby | đź’Ľ Full-Time | đź’· ÂŁ35,000 per annum
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Site Chemist to join our busy manufacturing operation at our Derby site. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in a high-performance aerospace environment, where quality, precision, and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.
Working Hours
Monday – Thursday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
Friday: 7:30am – 12:30pm
Enjoy an early finish every Friday.
What We Offer
* 25 days annual leave + 8 statutory holidays
* Pension scheme
* BUPA private healthcare
* Death in service benefit
* Long service awards
* Free on-site parking
Role Purpose
The Site Chemist is responsible for managing and performing all chemical processes and testing activities on-site to ensure compliance with customer specifications, NADCAP requirements, and industry standards. This role plays a key part in maintaining product quality and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the aerospace sector.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations:
* Oversee all chemical laboratory activities, ensuring timely completion of tasks in line with customer specifications.
* Maintain conformance to NADCAP-approved test matrix, including:
* Salt spray tests
* Wet & dry tape adhesion and paint adhesion
* Coating weight of anodise/alocrom
* Impact testing
* Surface roughness, IGA & EGP
* Etch rate checks
Process Control & Compliance:
* Conduct daily and weekly conformance checks for etch tanks and anodise processes.
* Manage chemical stock control and ordering, including safe disposal of chemicals.
* Support customer audits and NADCAP audits through preparation and active participation.
Quality & Continuous Improvement:
* Attend quality meetings, update KPIs, and analyze data to identify trends and implement improvements.
* Contribute to cost-saving initiatives and process optimization.
* Review and update customer specifications to ensure compliance.
Health & Safety:
* Promote and enforce compliance with Health & Safety policies and procedures.
* Coordinate with safety representatives to maintain a safe working environment.
SQCDP Framework:
Safety: Ensure adherence to company safety standards.
Quality: Deliver “right first time” performance.
Cost: Support cost-reduction initiatives.
Delivery: Drive improvements in delivery performance.
People: Foster a culture of inclusion, wellbeing, and collaboration.
Required Qualifications & Skills
* Formal qualification in Chemistry (or equivalent experience).
* Technical knowledge and experience within the aerospace sector.
* Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 standards; auditor qualification preferred.
* Knowledge of NADCAP chemical process auditing.
* Proficiency in FMEA, SPC, and process capability (CPk).
* Strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
* Computer literacy and excellent written/verbal communication skills.
* UK citizenship (due to ITAR compliance).
* Experience with alloy fabrication, machining, and chemical processes such as anodizing and etching.
* Understanding of NDT processes.
* Lean manufacturing knowledge (e.g., 5S, waste reduction) desirable