Laboratory Specialist Location: Broughton - Fully Onsite Contract: 12 months (likely extension) Shift Pattern: Double Day Shifts occasional nights Pay: £29.49 p/h PAYE | £39.45 p/h Umbrella Join us and help shape the future of aerospace materials testing Guidant Global is proud to be partnering with Airbus to recruit a skilled Laboratory Specialist who will play a key role in ensuring the quality, safety, and performance of aerospace components. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment where your expertise will directly influence production standards and engineering decisions. This role is ideal for someone with strong hands-on laboratory experience, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for materials science and metallurgical processes. What you'll be doing You'll carry out a wide range of laboratory testing, materials analysis, and process verification activities to support manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams. Your responsibilities will include: Mechanical Testing Perform tensile, hardness (Vickers, Knoop), and other mechanical tests to AITM, ASTM, ISO, and related standards. Operate, calibrate, and maintain mechanical testing equipment. Analyse test results and produce clear, accurate technical reports. Metallography & Materials Evaluation Prepare metallographic samples through sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching. Conduct microscopic examinations to assess microstructure, grain size, weld penetration, and coating thickness. Support failure investigations with detailed microstructural analysis. Process Inspection & Technical Support Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot deviations and recommend corrective actions. Provide technical oversight on heat treatments, surface treatments, and protective coating processes. Maintain lab procedures and ensure accurate documentation within the quality management system. Interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications to determine testing requirements. What you'll bring We're looking for someone who is confident working in a laboratory environment and comfortable applying both theoretical and practical materials knowledge. Essential Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. Hands-on experience conducting materials testing within an industrial or research lab. Strong understanding of metallography and mechanical testing principles. Ability to interpret engineering standards (ASTM, ISO, AMS). Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and written communication. Desirable Industry experience in a similar role (e.g., aerospace, automotive). Familiarity with failure analysis techniques and NDT methods. Exposure to quality systems such as ISO 9001 or ISO 17025. Experience with SEM or other advanced analytical tools. Working pattern & additional details Double Day Shift Pattern (20% uplift): Mornings: 06:00-13:10 Afternoons: 13:30-20:40 Up to 8 weeks of night shifts per year. Security clearance: BPSS (processed by Airbus). Why join Guidant Global? At Guidant Global, we champion a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. When you join us on assignment, you'll have access to: Support from a dedicated talent partner throughout your contract Opportunities to develop your technical expertise A workplace that values diversity, fairness, and individual contribution The chance to contribute to world-leading aerospace programmes You'll be part of a team where your skills have real impact - and where your growth is genuinely supported. Ready to apply? If you're excited by cutting-edge materials science and want to play a pivotal role in aerospace manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of flight. Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.