Materials Laboratory Technician

Hardide is a growing technology-based company, which develops, manufactures and applies nanostructured tungsten carbide coatings to a wide range of engineering components. The Group's patented CVD technology is unique in combining abrasion, erosion and corrosion resistant properties in one coating. When applied to metal components used in aggressive environments, the technology provides dramatic improvements in component life resulting in cost savings through reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency.

Customers include leading companies operating in the aerospace, oil and gas exploration and production, valve and pump manufacturing, nuclear and advanced engineering industries.

This role is based in the Technical Department Materials Laboratory which is responsible for providing support to Production by analysis of samples, witness coupons, process solutions and components through the Hardide coating process. The Materials Technologist assists in assessing the quality of product and maintaining laboratory functionality, whilst working to strict procedures along with consistent demonstration of sound health, safety and environmental practice.

• Preparation of metallographic samples for analysis via primarily semi-automatic route. Some manual techniques will also be used.
• Analysis of routine samples (once trained) using Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy.
• Perform chemical analysis (once trained) of the solutions and materials used in production pre-treatment and wet processes.
• Meet timetable of work for interaction with production environment.
• Weekly verification of laboratory equipment.
• Laboratory housekeeping including basic/routine preventative maintenance of equipment.
• Support to production departments and processes and production problems troubleshooting where necessary with analysis, measurements, micro- and macro-photographic imaging, meeting the timetable required for a production environment.
• Maintain & improve laboratory 5S practices.

• Degree-level qualification in Material Science, Metallurgy, Chemistry, Electrochemistry or Mechanical Engineering (with Material Science modules/understanding) significantly beneficial.
• Experience in metals-based manufacturing or electroplating processes is desirable.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Comfortable following established processes and working autonomously.
• Attention to detail is essential, as is a focus on continuous improvement.
• Competent in MS Office Suite for documentation, data analysis and presentations.

A formal training plan will be developed in line with company practice. Its full content will be dependent on the level of experience or previous training.

The successful individual in this role must have a demonstrable problem-solving capacity, which requires a detailed and attentive personality. Hardide is a fast-paced, growing business that is constantly introducing new products to the process, the successful candidate should be able to prioritise, plan and perform the work to an agreed timetable in a pressing production environment. They must have the ability to maintain focus, work alone as well as in a team and possess good communication skills.

They should be a confident person, able to communicate with other departments and present results from analysis.