Materials Technician

About the role

As part of the marine and tunnels package the development of nuclear qualified concrete mix(es) for the precast tunnel lining (Segments) and precast heads are required. Development and approval of these concrete mixes to the Clients specification requires expertise in the field of concrete mix design, material testing and thermal modelling. This role is required to facilitate the development of these mix(es) and provide ongoing support throughout the construction/production phase of the project.

In addition, there are a number of materials required for the operation and launch of the tunnel boring machines such as specialist grouts, sprayed concretes etc. these materials also require trial works and reporting to demonstrate their suitability for use prior to the works commencing. This role is also responsible for the establishment and ongoing operation of laboratory facilities for marine and tunnels works in accordance with the contract specifications.

• Establishing and maintaining safe methods of work for the materials team on site and in the laboratory
• Undertake inspection and testing on site and in the laboratory as required by the contract, identifying and reporting areas of risk and opportunity immediately
• Maintaining high standards of work and compliance with UKAS accreditation requirements
• Comply with the site quality system for materials testing laboratory, including materials reporting
• Deliver results by deadlines as required by the contract and project teams
• Maintain equipment calibrations and notify the lab manager of any defects requiring attention
• Identifying, recording and reporting of Best Practice to Project and offsite and pass to Laboratory Manager
• Producing summary compliance reports of material compliance as required by the contract by required deadlines
• Training and development of junior staff to ensure succession plan in place
• Manage expectations of materials team in regard to test result reporting and testing timescales
• Development of testing programmes for trials
• Executing trials and ongoing quality testing requirements as per agreed Specifications, Scopes or ITP's

• Previous Experience of working within a UKAS accredited laboratory and working with construction materials
• Minimum NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent
• Full UK driving License

• SMSTS or SSSTS qualified
• Member of a professional institute
• Experience in training others
• Experience in reporting KPI's and reports to a timescale
• Experience managing a defined budget
• Experience of preparing and reviewing risk assessments and method statements

• Good interpersonal/communication skills
• Ability to collect, manage and present data in a clear manner

• Knowledge of construction materials (Concrete, Grout)
• Desire for continuous improvement and development
• Quick learner
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office (particularly excel)
• Well organised

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK's most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more...

Balfour Beatty's Major Projects business is delivering some of the UK's most complex and iconic infrastructure projects including HS2, the new high-speed railway and the first nuclear power station in a generation, Hinkley Point

C. Using the latest technology, we’re driving productivity and creating a lasting legacy by delivering…