Automotive/Aerospace
Formulation and Process Specialist
CV-Library
South Shields, South Tyneside
£36000 - £40000/annum
Permanent
Full Time
Posted 25 Jun 2026
Smart Manufacturing Solutions are recruiting on behalf of one of our clients for a skilled Formulation & Process Specialist. This unique role bridges polymer chemistry and hands-on manufacturing. You will formulate high-performance adhesives, mainly epoxy and polyester, tailored for aerospace applications. Additionally, you will set up and operate our continuous roll-to-roll coating line to precisely apply these adhesives to thin foil and film substrates.
Responsibilities
* Synthesize, modify, and optimize adhesive systems, primarily epoxy and polyester, to meet strict aerospace performance, thermal, and regulatory standards.
* Set up and operate a continuous web coating line, ensuring precise coat weight control on delicate thin foils and films.
* Manage line tension, web handling, line speeds, and curing parameters to eliminate defects like voiding, dynamic tension lines, or uneven curing.
* Conduct mechanical and analytical testing (e.g., peel strength, water immersion tests, bend testing) to validate bond integrity and aerospace compliance.
* Maintain meticulous records of batch formulations, process parameters, and quality control metrics for aerospace traceability.
Requirements
* Proven hands-on experience formulating structural adhesives, especially epoxy resins and polyesters.
* Direct background operating continuous web/roll-to-roll coating machinery (e.g., slot-die, gravure, or comma bar).
* Skilled in handling delicate materials like thin metal foils and high-performance polymer films without tearing or wrinkling.
* Prior experience in the aerospace sector (or automotive/electronics with stringent QA standards) is highly desirable.
Working Hours
Monday to Wednesday 7:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 7:00am - 4:30pm
Responsibilities
* Synthesize, modify, and optimize adhesive systems, primarily epoxy and polyester, to meet strict aerospace performance, thermal, and regulatory standards.
* Set up and operate a continuous web coating line, ensuring precise coat weight control on delicate thin foils and films.
* Manage line tension, web handling, line speeds, and curing parameters to eliminate defects like voiding, dynamic tension lines, or uneven curing.
* Conduct mechanical and analytical testing (e.g., peel strength, water immersion tests, bend testing) to validate bond integrity and aerospace compliance.
* Maintain meticulous records of batch formulations, process parameters, and quality control metrics for aerospace traceability.
Requirements
* Proven hands-on experience formulating structural adhesives, especially epoxy resins and polyesters.
* Direct background operating continuous web/roll-to-roll coating machinery (e.g., slot-die, gravure, or comma bar).
* Skilled in handling delicate materials like thin metal foils and high-performance polymer films without tearing or wrinkling.
* Prior experience in the aerospace sector (or automotive/electronics with stringent QA standards) is highly desirable.
Working Hours
Monday to Wednesday 7:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 7:00am - 4:30pm