Metallurgist – Materials Testing

Banbury, Oxfordshire

Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum, depending on relevant knowledge and experience

Develop Your Career in Aerospace Materials Testing

We are recruiting for a Metallurgist to join a specialist materials testing business in Banbury.

This opportunity would suit someone with a strong understanding of metallurgy who enjoys practical laboratory work, pays close attention to detail and takes pride in producing accurate, reliable results.

Applications are welcome from graduates with relevant academic knowledge and candidates with practical metallurgical experience. The company values your understanding of materials, willingness to learn and ability to follow established procedures.

About the Role

You will work with aerospace grade materials, particularly nickel based and titanium alloys, carrying out metallurgical examinations and assessing findings against customer specifications.

The position focuses on routine laboratory testing, microstructural examination and technical reporting. You will need to be comfortable completing detailed, repeatable work within a closely controlled environment.

Accuracy is essential. Your findings help establish whether materials meet the requirements for demanding aerospace applications.

You will apply your knowledge of how forging, casting and heat treatment affect material structure and properties, working within your competence and authorisation as you develop familiarity with the laboratory’s methods.

Key Responsibilities

• Carrying out metallurgical examinations of nickel based and titanium alloys and other materials
• Preparing specimens for examination, including polishing and etching, according to training and authorisation
• Using microscopy to assess material microstructures
• Assessing grain size and examining alpha case where required
• Identifying material features and abnormalities
• Comparing findings against relevant specifications and customer requirements
• Applying knowledge of forging, casting and heat treatment when evaluating materials
• Reviewing metallurgical and associated mechanical test results
• Reporting unexpected findings to the relevant laboratory colleagues
• Preparing clear technical reports detailing observations, results and conclusions
• Maintaining accurate, traceable testing records
• Following approved testing methods and quality procedures consistently
• Working with colleagues and customers to clarify technical requirements where needed
• Maintaining a safe, clean and organised working environment

What We’re Looking For

You will need a degree in metallurgy, materials science, materials engineering or a closely related subject with substantial metallurgy content, or equivalent relevant practical experience.

You should demonstrate:

• A sound understanding of metallic materials, microstructures and mechanical properties
• Knowledge of how manufacturing processes and heat treatment affect materials
• An understanding of nickel based and titanium alloys through study, research or employment
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach
• The ability to follow detailed instructions and established procedures
• Confidence recording observations and communicating technical findings
• Patience and consistency when carrying out routine testing
• A willingness to listen, learn and take feedback
• The ability to work collaboratively and recognise when to seek guidance
• An interest in developing specialist laboratory knowledge

Desirable Experience

• Metallographic specimen preparation, etching and microscopy
• Grain size assessment or alpha case examination
• Working with aerospace grade materials
• Interpreting material specifications and testing requirements
• Working within an accredited laboratory or controlled quality environment

Graduate Applications

Relevant industrial experience is not essential if you can demonstrate a strong grounding in metallurgy and an interest in practical materials testing.

Relevant university modules, projects, research and laboratory work will all be considered. Experience involving nickel based alloys, titanium alloys or aerospace materials would be particularly useful.

You will develop practical skills and specialist knowledge through training and supervised work appropriate to your experience.

Salary and Benefits

• 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Holiday entitlement increasing with length of service
• Workplace pension
• Death in service benefit
• Cycle to work scheme
• Company events and team activities

Recruitment Process

To apply for the Metallurgist position, please complete the short application and attach your most recent CV.

Graduate applicants should include details of relevant projects, research or practical laboratory work.

For further information, contact Charlotte Clamp at Your Recruiters:

0116 467 0800
charlotte.clamp@your-recruiters.co.uk

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys detailed laboratory work, respects established testing procedures and wants to build their expertise in aerospace materials.

Your Recruiters Limited is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Every applicant will receive a response, with detailed feedback provided to candidates who attend an interview but are not successful.