Site Chemist

Job Description:

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.