Overview

We are currently recruiting a Laboratory Technician / R&D Technician for a manufacturer based in Bridgend, South Wales.  Purpose of the role will be to support the R&D Group in the implementation of the research and development work agreed upon in accordance with the Company’s overall strategic direction. To be responsible for the up-keep of the Research Group’s facilities, including demonstration systems, lasers and test and measurement equipment.

The Role

The R&D Group provides or facilitates the introduction of new technologies and processes for business expansion. By its nature this will involve experimental or applications studies in many, perhaps diverse fields, often running concurrently. The R&D Group assists Sales and Marketing in various areas in particular with equipment and product demonstrations (which may be off-site) and with the Wire Samples Service.

Reporting into the Applications Laboratory and R&D Manager, duties will include:

• To assist with the efficient running of the wire samples service. To process samples and provide reports and maintain the wire samples database.
• To assist the R&D Group with the set-up and use of the Applications Facility.
• To assist with the Job Shop Service acting as the supervisor for system set-up, performing service and maintenance and operations support.
• As part of the R&D Group, to provide support to the Group’s facilities. For example to maintain, operate and configure the facilities in support of applications assessment, use of the equipment as part of project work, demonstration of the companies equipment on behalf of Sales and Marketing.
• To take responsibility of the Wire Inventory keeping note of current stock of Aerospace wire and cables kept in-house for S&M samples and R&D/Engineering requirements.
• To test and evaluate equipment, both third party equipment and equipment developed and constructed in-house.
• To collect data from such work, reporting findings and assessing the analysis of the data.
• Undertake any other projects and duties as requested and which are within the competence of the job holder.
• To gain a thorough understanding of and be involved with various laser marking and stripping systems including operation, maintenance and service.
• To set-up and perform experiments utilising a wide variety of equipment for novel applications or to trial innovative and sometimes unfamiliar technological approaches.
• To support the R&D Group in the many diverse activities that the R&D Group carries out.
  Planning and Organisation
• The efficient time management of the individual to ensure concurrently running activities receive the appropriate amount of time and effort.
• The ability to switch easily between projects to ensure the smooth running of the Wire Sample Service, the Job Shop and R&D Group activities.
• To provide weekly progress reports to the R&D Manager and to participate in weekly planning meetings within the R&D Group.
• Day to day direction will normally come from the R&D Group Manager. Additional direction for project work will be provided by Applications Development Engineers involved in various projects.
• The job-holder will work closely with the Sales and Marketing Team in the operations of the Wire Samples Service.

The Person

• Minimum of A Level or equivalent in Physics and ideally Mathematics. Strong interest in STEM subjects. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to engage with internal and external contacts.
• A logical thinker with accuracy and attention to detail and the ability to plan and organise in order to meet deadlines.
• Strong IT skills.

JK Recruitment

Please be aware that we receive a high volume of interest for each of our roles and we cannot guarantee we will be in touch if you are not shortlisted for the position. At JK Recruitment we aim to provide the best possible opportunity to take your career forward, we will be in touch within the next seven days if your application is successful. Please continue to visit www.jkrecruit.co.uk to keep up to date with further vacancies. We regret that this client is not prepared to sponsor work permit or work permit transfer applications. Candidates must be able to prove their eligibility to work in the UK