Sample Preparation Technician

Job Description

Looking for a hands-on role where you can work with machinery, tools, and cutting-edge laboratory equipment?

SGS is looking for a Sample Preparation Technician to join our specialist coatings and materials testing laboratory. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys practical work, has a keen eye for detail, and wants to develop technical skills within a global leader in testing, inspection and certification.

You'll play a key role in preparing samples for laboratory testing, ensuring they are accurately machined, labelled, and ready for analysis. No two days are the same, and you'll have the chance to learn specialist techniques while working alongside an experienced technical team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Preparing test samples using cutting, drilling, milling and hand tools
• Operating equipment including a CNC mini mill
• Preparing coating, peel and cross-cut test samples
• Supporting laboratory testing by ensuring samples are prepared accurately and on time
• Maintaining sample identification and traceability
• Carrying out routine equipment checks and reporting issues
• Helping maintain a clean, organised and safe laboratory environment
• Working closely with laboratory teams to meet project deadlines

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work and takes pride in producing high-quality results. You'll be comfortable working with tools, machinery or technical processes and have a strong focus on accuracy, safety and attention to detail.

Experience with CNC milling (CNC Minimill) is essential whilst, drilling, cutting equipment, sample preparation, machining, engineering or laboratory work would be beneficial, but we're equally interested in people with transferable practical skills and a willingness to learn.

This role could suit candidates from backgrounds such as:

• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Production
• CNC machining
• Workshop or fabrication environments
• Skilled assembly
• Laboratory support
• Technical or mechanical roles

You'll ideally have:

• Experience using hand tools, power tools, machinery or workshop equipment
• Good practical skills and manual dexterity
• Experience with CNC milling
• The ability to follow procedures and technical instructions accurately
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent)