Lead Specimen Extraction Laboratory Technician
Location: Cambridge
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Job Profile: Up to Lead Laboratory Technician
Salary/annum: £30,000-£50,000.
Reference number: JR100862
Closing Date: 04 October 2026
Security requirements: Security Clearance, BPSS and DBS may be required.
Note: Applicants might receive offers and undergo interviews before the deadline, although the position will remain available for at least seven days. We recommend submitting your application for this role as soon as you can during the recruitment process, prior to the closing date.
Are you an experienced machinist who can independently produce close-tolerance metallic components from engineering drawings?
Do you have experience in mechanical specimen preparation and an understanding of testing requirements?
We are seeking an experienced precision machinist to lead the extraction and manufacture of engineering-material specimens used for mechanical testing. This is a hands-on precision-engineering workshop role. In this context, “specimens” means machined test pieces manufactured from engineering materials for destructive mechanical testing; it does not refer to pharmaceutical, biological, clinical or analytical samples. Typical work may include the manufacture of tensile, Charpy impact, fracture-toughness, fatigue, bend and weld test specimens.
You will work closely with Engineers, Scientists and project teams to translate testing standards and specifications into accurate, manufacturable specimen geometries using manual, CNC and electrical-discharge machining processes, including:
You will act as the technical focal point for specimen machining, selecting appropriate extraction and machining methods, planning work, resolving practical manufacturing issues and verifying that completed specimens meet dimensional, surface-finish, orientation and traceability requirements. You will also support quotations, client discussions, safe systems of work and continuous improvement within the machining area.
This role is suited to someone who enjoys applying machining expertise to practical challenges, while contributing to continuous improvement and leading best practice within a collaborative laboratory environment.
If you're ready to take your engineering career to the next level in a role that’s both challenging and rewarding, apply now and help us shape the future of technical excellence.
Please note that this is a technical leadership role and does not include direct line-management responsibility
For further details, please follow the Job Description link below:
https://www.twi-global.com/pdfs/careers/JDLead-Specimen-Machining-Technician.pdf
TWI Ltd is a world expert in engineering, materials and joining technologies with significant property assets. We provide industry with advice and know-how in design, fabrication, failure analysis and prevention.
We offer opportunities to collaborate with inspiring and expert teams and a supportive environment in which you are actively encouraged to share your ideas and continually develop your own skills and knowledge.
If you are looking to join an organisation that is fuelled by innovation, teamwork, and openness, this role could be for you.
TWI Ltd is committed to treating all employees fairly and to being an inclusive employer. Our aim is to create a work environment where our employees can reach their full potential. We put Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the heart of our people practices to attract, develop and retain the best talent.
We recognise that it’s the differences of our people that gives us our competitive edge and enables us to maintain our world leading reputation. This is why we are committed to ensuring there is diversity across every level of our organisation; representative of the Members and societies we serve. We have made Inclusion our number one corporate value to demonstrate our commitment to ensure it is at the core of everything we do at TWI.
Disability Confident Scheme:
We are pleased to confirm that we have achieved the first stage accreditation, which means we are a ‘Disability Confident Employer’. This is a government-supported scheme that supports organisations like TWI to make the most of the talents that people with disability can bring to our workplace. The scheme helps us recruit and retain great people; draw from the widest possible pool of talent; secure high-quality employees who are skilled, loyal and hardworking; and improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that we treat all of our people fairly.
If you require any additional support during your application, interview or any other aspect of our recruitment process please reach out to Recruitment@TWI.co.uk
As one of the world’s leading independent research and technology organisations, we are committed to attracting, motivating and retaining the best talent from around the world. Our goal is to develop the next generation of experts to address future industry challenges.
We are committed to creating a culture that recognises and respects the differences between people while valuing the contribution everyone makes to TWI.
The diversity of our staff and students makes a positive and important contribution to our continuing success.
TWI offers a comprehensive training programme, incorporating both in-house and external courses to support staff development.
Our six values provide a point of reference for the way we expect our people to operate and behave.
TWI is a global leader in technology engineering providing research and consultancy to its Members.
Respected for its expertise, professionalism, impartiality and confidentiality, TWI works with the most influential companies worldwide across all industry sectors.
A Member company benefits from TWI's specialist knowledge in structural integrity and corrosion management, materials testing, NDT, failure investigation, welding and joining technologies, materials processing and training.
