Lead Technician sought for 3-month contract to contribute to innovative consumer products for companion animal wellbeing. Key responsibilities include managing R&D laboratory, workshop, and stores, ensuring safe working practices, calibrating equipment, purchasing materials, and designing test plans. Required skills include proficiency in laboratory management, knowledge of health and safety regulations, and experience in calibrating and assembling prototypes. Collaborate with engineers to develop test capabilities and analyze results. Manage resources, including external test houses, and lead contractors as needed. Maintain health and safety standards, complete risk assessments, and document test findings using PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. **Key Responsibilities:**
* Ensure efficient operation of the R&D laboratory, workshop, and stores area.
* Maintain up-to-date safe working practices (COSHH/Risk Assessments) in the lab, workshop, and stores.
* Calibrate and service all laboratory and workshop equipment.
* Purchase materials, consumables, and tools.
* Develop and improve laboratory and test capabilities for future projects.
* Plan and manage resources, including external test houses when needed.
* Plan and sequence workloads to meet project demands.
* Lead contractors or other technicians as required.
* Collaborate with engineers on test-related projects.
* Design detailed product test plans.
* Assemble test products/assemblies, including soldering, mechanical assembly, programming, calibration, and monitoring.
* Design and develop test rigs.
* Analyze test results and perform fault finding.
* Document test findings using PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
* Ensure health and safety standards are met in the laboratory, workshop, and stores area.
* Complete risk assessments and maintain procedure documents.
* Manage the safe storage and disposal of materials and waste products.
**Key Skills and Requirements:**
* Proficiency in managing R&D laboratory and workshop environments.
* Knowledge of safe working practices and health and safety regulations.
* Experience in calibrating and servicing laboratory and workshop equipment.
* Ability to purchase and manage materials and tools.
* Strong resource planning and project management skills.
* Experience in assembling and testing electronic and mechanical prototypes.
* Proficiency in designing and developing test rigs.
* Analytical skills for test result analysis and fault finding.
* Proficiency in using PowerPoint, Word, and Excel for documentation.
* Knowledge of COSHH regulations and risk assessments.
* Ability to manage health and safety standards and procedures.