Laboratory Process Technician, Chemistry & Environmental M/F
SAFRAN UK
Safran Landing Systems is a global leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, serving commercial aviation, business travel, and military and defense fleets. We are committed to excellence throughout the entire product life cycle-from design, engineering, and manufacturing, to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
Your Role
As a key member of our Laboratory team, you will play a vital role in supporting the quality and efficiency of our electroplating and chemical processes, ensuring compliance with process specifications, health, safety, and environmental legislation, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management:
- Perform detailed chemical analyses and manage solution processes to ensure effective, efficient service and compliance with process specifications and COMAH regulations.
- Compile and publish vat analysis data, with a focus on salvage activity and electroplating (preferably Zinc Nickel).
Health, Safety & Environment:
- Maintain strict adherence to Health, Safety, and Environmental legislation to safeguard staff, visitors, and the wider community.
- Manage and optimize processing chemicals on site in accordance with COMAH, including procurement, storage, and waste management.
Laboratory Operations & Support:
- Prepare and test laboratory samples such as test panels, conduct salt spray tests, Lawrence Gauge analysis, and paint strip controls.
- Support internal and external audits (Quality, Supplier, MRO, Product, and Customer).
- Provide technical support as part of project teams and for designated turnkey projects.
- Participate in the management and preventative maintenance (PPM) of laboratory and plating plant equipment.
Continuous Improvement:
- Optimize techniques, specifications, and processes to meet production demand and drive defect elimination.
- Support the business in achieving new product and process capabilities, including REACh compliance.
- Review process control specifications and maintain/refine works procedures as necessary.
- Involve yourself in continuous improvement activities, aiming to reduce processing times and advance shop-floor efficiency.
Why Join Safran Landing Systems?
We craft excellence together.
Be part of a globally recognized aerospace business with over 100,000 colleagues across 300 sites in 30 countries. At Safran, you'll benefit from:
- Competitive salary, annual bonus, and regular pay reviews
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays (with salary sacrifice scheme for buy/sell)
- Up to 8% employer-matched pension and life assurance
- Early Friday finish (role dependent)
- Health cash plan, cycle-to-work, and tech purchase schemes
- Ongoing training, professional development, and mentoring
- On-site parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, and showers
- Family-friendly and accessible workplace policies
- Inclusive groups: Women at Safran, Diversity forums, sport & STEM clubs, charity partnerships, wellbeing programs
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion
- Global mobility and career progression opportunities
If you are passionate about playing a key role in the future of aerospace and want to be part of a company that values innovation, teamwork, and diversity, we encourage you to apply-even if you do not meet 100% of the criteria. Safran is committed to supporting reasonable adjustments throughout the application process.
What You'll Bring
Essential:
- Degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline (or equivalent relevant laboratory experience, preferably in an engineering/plating context in aerospace or automotive).
- Comprehensive knowledge of electroplating processes and related analytic techniques (titrations, atomic absorption spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence).
- Strong experience with COSHH and safe handling of chemicals.
- Ability to read and interpret specifications, regulatory documents, and operational methods.
- Track record in process control, laboratory testing, and data analysis.
- Proficiency with IT systems and good mathematical ability.
- Excellent organisational, planning, and time management skills.
- High attention to detail and strong commitment to quality ("Right First Time" mindset).
- Effective communication and strong team-working skills.
- Flexible, self-motivated, and willing to learn or extend skillsets.
- Familiarity with Lean Sigma disciplines and 5S principles.
Desirable:
- Experience in gap analysis and closing activities related to new product and process compliance.
- Participation in or support of environmental, lean, or process improvement projects.
Application opens at the source listing. Free for jobseekers.