Materials Technician

About Us Beaufort is a global leader in survival and safety technologies, protecting personnel operating in some of the world’s most demanding defence and aerospace environments.

We are looking for a motivated and hands-on Materials Technician to join our Materials R&D team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest in materials, textiles, science, or engineering who enjoys practical laboratory work and problem-solving.

You will support the testing and evaluation of new materials, helping to ensure our products meet the highest standards of performance, quality, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct mechanical, physical and environmental testing on materials and textiles
• Operate laboratory equipment, including but not limited to tensile testers, hydrostatic testers and humidity chambers
• Prepare test samples and record results accurately
• Assist in the validation of new materials
• Maintain laboratory equipment and support calibration activities
• Develop and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Contribute to continuous improvement and safe working practices
• Support R & D projects through testing, reporting and data analysis
• Maintain accurate test records, technical reports and quality documentation
• Ensure materials and products meet customer, regulatory and internal specifications
• Support R & D handover to Production and Quality teams
• Support internal and external quality audits

The key responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive, and you may from time to time be required to undertake other duties outside your job description where these constitute a reasonable management request.

Requirements Essential skills & experience:

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good communication and data-recording skills
• A minimum of two years’ industrial experience; or A-Levels, BTEC or an equivalent qualification, with a strong interest in science, engineering or laboratory work
• Experience of producing accurate technical reports and quality documentation
• A methodical approach to testing, investigation and problem-solving
• Previous experience within a laboratory, materials testing, quality or inspection environment

Desirable

• Experience in materials, textile or mechanical testing
• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Materials Science, Engineering, Textile Technology, Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 or another relevant quality management system
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory standards
• Experience working within a regulated engineering, aerospace, defence or manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting audits, non-conformance investigations or root-cause analysis
• Knowledge of laboratory health and safety procedures, COSHH and risk assessments

Benefits At Beaufort, we are currently trialling a 4-day, 36 hour week with Friday off!

• 26.5 days holidays including public holidays
• Additional day off to celebrate your birthday
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Life Assurance up to 4X salary
• Pension Scheme
• Training & Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Workplace Reward & Recognition scheme