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Posted 22 July, 2026

Quality Technician (Plastics)

Reed
Colchester, ENG, GB Full Time

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Quality Engineer – Material Testing to manage a Material Testing Laboratory.

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This is a key role responsible for ensuring raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods meet internal specifications, customer requirements, and relevant industry standards. You’ll play a pivotal part in maintaining quality excellence, supporting manufacturing, and driving continuous improvement.

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Key Responsibilities

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  • Manage day-to-day operations of the Material Testing Laboratory
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  • Perform material testing including:\n
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    • Tensile strength and elongation
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    • Hardness and density
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    • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
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  • Prepare test samples using lathes and laboratory equipment
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  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment including tensiometers and DSC systems
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  • Conduct goods-inwards inspection and raw material verification
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  • Carry out first-off inspections and production testing
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  • Manage calibration of laboratory equipment and gauges
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  • Support quality activities including SPC, MSA, and capability studies
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  • Lead root cause investigations using 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone methodologies
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  • Maintain accurate laboratory records, reports, and traceability documentation
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About You

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Qualifications & Experience

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  • Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent in:\n
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    • Materials Science
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    • Polymer Science
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    • Chemistry
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    • Manufacturing Engineering or related field
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  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in:\n
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    • Material Testing
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    • Laboratory or Quality Engineering environments
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  • Experience with polymers or fluoropolymers (desirable)
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  • Familiarity with ISO 17025 (advantageous)
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Technical Skills

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  • Strong knowledge of polymer material properties
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  • Experience with:\n
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    • Tensile and elongation testing
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    • DSC analysis and interpretation
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    • Density, specific gravity, and hardness testing
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  • Skilled in test specimen preparation using lab equipment
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  • Hands-on experience with:\n
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    • Tensiometers / Universal Testing Machines
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    • DSC and hardness testing equipment
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  • Experience with:\n
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    • Goods-inwards and production testing
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    • SPC, MSA, Gauge R&R, and capability studies
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  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications
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  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and quality data analysis
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Salary is negotiable dependent on experience and skills.