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.
\nThis 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.
\nKey Responsibilities
\n- \n
- Manage day-to-day operations of the Material Testing Laboratory \n
- Perform material testing including:\n
- \n
- Tensile strength and elongation \n
- Hardness and density \n
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) \n
\n - Prepare test samples using lathes and laboratory equipment \n
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment including tensiometers and DSC systems \n
- Conduct goods-inwards inspection and raw material verification \n
- Carry out first-off inspections and production testing \n
- Manage calibration of laboratory equipment and gauges \n
- Support quality activities including SPC, MSA, and capability studies \n
- Lead root cause investigations using 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone methodologies \n
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, reports, and traceability documentation \n
About You
\nQualifications & Experience
\n- \n
- Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent in:\n
- \n
- Materials Science \n
- Polymer Science \n
- Chemistry \n
- Manufacturing Engineering or related field \n
\n - Minimum 3 years’ experience in:\n
- \n
- Material Testing \n
- Laboratory or Quality Engineering environments \n
\n - Experience with polymers or fluoropolymers (desirable) \n
- Familiarity with ISO 17025 (advantageous) \n
Technical Skills
\n- \n
- Strong knowledge of polymer material properties \n
- Experience with:\n
- \n
- Tensile and elongation testing \n
- DSC analysis and interpretation \n
- Density, specific gravity, and hardness testing \n
\n - Skilled in test specimen preparation using lab equipment \n
- Hands-on experience with:\n
- \n
- Tensiometers / Universal Testing Machines \n
- DSC and hardness testing equipment \n
\n - Experience with:\n
- \n
- Goods-inwards and production testing \n
- SPC, MSA, Gauge R&R, and capability studies \n
\n - Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications \n
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and quality data analysis \n
Salary is negotiable dependent on experience and skills.
