Senior Laboratory Technician

AEM Limited has been Europe's leading independent overhaul and repair facility for more than 60 years. The company has a solid reputation in the aerospace industry for providing a broad range of services to international and regional airlines, helicopter operators and airframe manufacturers.

We are currently looking for a Senior Laboratory Technician for our Ramsgate site.

Job Purpose

To lead laboratory operations in support of metal finishing processes, ensuring accurate analysis of plating tanks and effective waste management. This senior lead role will act as a technical authority and team coordinator.

Accountable for the effective operation and continuous improvement of the laboratory and waste management processes, addressing any compliance-related issues promptly and professionally. Committed to fostering a strong safety culture while maintaining robust controls over occupational risks

Key responsibilities:

Laboratory Analysis

Perform and oversee chemical analysis of plating tanks (e.g., chrome, cadmium, nickel, silver, copper).

Ensure timely and accurate reporting of bath conditions and corrective actions.

Support production teams with technical advice on tank maintenance and performance.

Coordinate laboratory schedules, prioritising workload and ensuring quality standards.

Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration records, and chemical inventory.

Lead waste sampling, classification, and coordination with waste contractors.

Ensure compliance with COSHH, REACH, and site-specific chemical handling procedures.

Support EHS initiatives and contribute to internal audits and inspections.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

Ensure compliance with UK Environment legislation and regulations

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of ISO standards (e.g., ISO 14001)

Prepare for and manage external audits and inspections

Risk Management

Conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses

Develop and implement control measures to mitigate risks

Lead, and or support incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are taken

Policy & Procedure Development

Create and update Laboratory, and Environmental policies, procedures, and local instructions

Ensure policies are communicated and understood across the organization

Integrate Environmental considerations into engineering project planning

Training & Awareness

Deliver or coordinate training programs for staff and contractors

Promote a safety culture through awareness campaigns and toolbox talks for plating analysis and environmental

Ensure new employees receive EHS inductions

Environmental Management

Manage waste disposal, pollution control, and resource conservation

Oversee environmental impact assessments for projects

Drive initiatives to reduce the organization’s carbon footprint

Risk Assessment for Health Hazards

Identify and assess occupational health risks (e.g., exposure to hazardous substances, ergonomic risks

Qualifications & competencies

Chemistry Degree or equivalent qualification

Ability to work well in multidiscipline/cross-functional teams

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build close-knit relationships

Strong analytical, administrative and organisation skills and excellent attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and multitask