MSSI - Mechanical Lab Technician

At Amentum, we're not just solving problems; we're engineering the future. Our team is driven by an unyielding commitment to innovation, integrity, and collaboration, tackling some of the most significant challenges in science, security, and sustainability. If you're passionate about making a real impact and want to be part of a community that values ethical excellence, this is the place where your ambition can thrive.

Here, we believe that success comes from continuously pushing boundaries and working together to deliver on our promises. We embrace challenges with confidence and are dedicated to creating a secure and vibrant future for all. 

We'll inspire and empower you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed – today and into tomorrow.  We offer an exciting range of opportunities to develop your career within a supportive and diverse team who always strive to do the right thing for our people, clients and communities.

People are our greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent. In addition to the benefits you'd expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family-friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships. Work-life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for us. We're happy to discuss hybrid, part-time and flexible working hours, patterns and locations to suit you and our business.

About the Opportunity (MSSI)

Material Science and Structural integrity (MSSI) is part of Amentum – a global engineering company. MSSI are looking to recruit a Mechanical Lab Technician at our Birchwood laboratory facilities. Here in MSSI we are developing advanced mechanical testing methods to generate data that ultimately informs big decisions on current and new plant, across the nuclear industry. Achieving our objectives requires the support of motivated and competent, technicians, engineers and scientists. 

We are seeking driven individuals who are inspired by challenge, motivated by continuous learning and who strive to make a societal impact through their work. Knowledge and experience of mechanical testing or in a materials test lab would be beneficial, but we would welcome anyone who is keen to learn, with a great can-do attitude.

About the Role

The Mechanical Lab Technician will play a key role in supporting the Material Science and Structural Integrity (MSSI) team within Amentum. The position is based in Birchwood, Warrington, working alongside engineers, scientists and researchers focused on materials testing, corrosion assessment, and mechanical evaluation in support of the nuclear industry.

The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, technically capable and safety-conscious, responsible for assisting in the setup, operation and maintenance of laboratory test equipment.
 

Core duties include preparing and installing metal specimens, conducting mechanical & corrosion tests, collecting & analysing data and maintaining accurate documentation in accordance with standard laboratory procedures and quality systems.

This role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a range of mechanical testing techniques, including high-pressure/high-temperature corrosion testing, and to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams on innovative materials research and structural integrity projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and install metallic test specimens into high-pressure, high-temperature corrosion test rigs following strict safety and test procedures.

• Set up and calibrate measuring instruments and sensors (e.g. thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters and load cells).

• Operate and monitor high-pressure pipework systems, pumps and control units to maintain test parameters.

• Conduct daily checks, data logging and visual inspections during test operations, ensuring accurate data collection.

• Prepare water tanks and chemical test solutions to defined specifications, maintaining correct chemistry to strict parameters.

• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory rigs and equipment to ensure reliability and compliance.

• Identify and resolve mechanical or instrumentation faults, carrying out basic troubleshooting and corrective actions.

• Record and report all test data, observations, and results accurately in lab notebooks and electronic systems.

• Dismantle test rigs post-test, recover specimens and assist with post-test analysis and reporting.

• Follow all health, safety and environmental protocols, particularly those related to high-pressure systems and chemical handling.

• Collaborate with engineers and technicians to support test planning, rig setup, and continuous improvement activities.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment in accordance with quality standards (ISO/IEC

Here's What You'll Need  

A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent). This should include maths, and English, plus at least 1 science, technical or engineering subjects
A Level in a scientific subject at Grade C or above.
A talent for practical subjects and enjoy 'hands on' laboratory working.
This role will require security clearance; therefore, applicants should hold or be able to obtain, security clearance in the UK

Essential Skills

• Relationship centric 

• Problem solving

• Resilient 

• Curious 

• Adaptable  

• Attention to Detail

Our Culture

Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and diversity. We put people at the heart of our business, and we genuinely believe that we all succeed by supporting one another through our culture of caring. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.  

We aim to embed inclusion in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we're more connected, and we're more creative. We accept people for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental health, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave. This is reflected in our wide range of Global Employee Networks.

We partner with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain diverse talent. For greater online accessibility, please visit to view and access our roles. As a Disability Confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact matt..amentum

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.