Lab Technician (Maternity Cover) in Kettering, Northamptonshire

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: Up to £26,000 per annum

Interaction Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of our client for a Lab Technician to join their Safety Product Testing department on a 10–12 month fixed-term contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for a reliable and detail-oriented individual to join an established technical team, with full training provided where required.

You will be responsible for carrying out routine physical testing on a wide range of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), helping to ensure products meet relevant international and European safety standards.

Working within a specialist laboratory environment, your duties will include:

• Carrying out physical tests on PPE using specialist equipment.

• Preparing samples prior to testing.

• Recording test results accurately on paperwork and electronic results sheets.

• Operating testing equipment in accordance with relevant standards and procedures.

• Maintaining an organised laboratory environment and managing sample storage.

• Supporting Technologists during customer visits.

• Ensuring testing activities are completed accurately and efficiently.

Products tested may include safety gloves, helmets, protective clothing, eyewear, hearing protection, fall protection equipment and other safety products.

Full training will be provided to help you develop the skills and knowledge required for the role.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, dependable and able to work accurately in a technical environment.

You will ideally have:

• GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science.

• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.

• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• The ability to remain motivated when completing repetitive tasks.

• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• A willingness to learn, develop and adapt to new processes.

Previous laboratory experience, knowledge of PPE testing or familiarity with quality systems would be advantageous but is not essential.

• 25–30 days' annual leave, depending on service.

• Life assurance.

• Group personal pension plan.

• Income protection.

• Free parking.

• Flexible working hours.

If you are looking for a technical opportunity where you can develop new skills and contribute to product safety, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: 6 November 2026
First-stage interviews: 11 November 2026 via Microsoft Teams
Second-stage interviews: 16 November 2026 in person

To apply, please contact Interaction Recruitment