Site Chemist

Site Chemist
📍 Derby | 💼 Full-Time | 💷 £35,000 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