Site Chemist

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