Materials Laboratory Technician

Job summary

Working as a part of the Digital Threat & Technical Exploitation delivery team you will work to prepare high-quality material samples for analysis and testing using precision measurement, machining, mechanical preparation, and chemical etching techniques. The role supports characterisation, failure analysis, and quality assurance activities across a broad range of microelectronic devices and allied parts.

Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.

Job description

In this role you will play a key role in preparing materials for technical analysis, providing specialist input into sample preparation plans and selecting the most effective preparation methods for a range of material types and geometries. Working from engineering and laboratory requirements, you will determine appropriate cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing and etching techniques, while identifying and mitigating potential risks such as thermal damage, deformation and chemical compatibility issues. You will also carry out sample preparation activities in line with approved procedures, ensuring high standards of quality, accuracy and safety.

For further information please see the attached Job Profile at the bottom of this advert

Person specification

What we're looking for

You will be qualified to NVQ Level 3 or an equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science or a Laboratory technician discipline.

The successful candidate will have experience in precision sample preparation techniques, including mounting, grinding, machining and polishing a range of materials. They will possess a practical understanding of polymers, composites and metals, together with knowledge of the safe preparation and application of chemical etchants. Strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately interpret technical instructions, laboratory procedures and specifications are essential, ensuring samples are prepared to the highest standards for testing and analysis.

Why join Dstl?

This is a unique opportunity to influence some of the UK's most complex and innovative test and evaluation activities. You'll work alongside highly skilled specialists, contribute to critical national capability, and help shape the future of safety across Dstl's range and trials enterprise.

• Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Qualifications

Apprenticeship, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent in: • Engineering • Manufacturing • Materials science • Laboratory technician discipline

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Describe a scientific or technical investigation that you have planned and delivered.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £31,663, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £9,172 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours, job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).

• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.

• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team [email removed] and we will do all we can to support you.

Sifting will take place week commencing the 12th October.

Interview's will be held on the 24th & 25th November 2026, interview will consist of a behavioural &