Job Description

QC Laboratory Technician - Manufacturing

Location:

Kent (Site Based, DA4 9BD)

Salary Range:

23,000 to 26,000

Employment Type:

Full-time, Permanent

Working Days & Hours:

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm

Please note: We are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies.

About Us

For over 40 years, The Darent Wax Company has combined craftsmanship with technical expertise to design and manufacture high performance wax based products. Established in 1984 and based in Kent, we produce specialised wax blends that are supplied to a diverse range of industries worldwide.

Our Technical Department is at the heart of our operations, uniting expertise in formulation development, research and innovation, testing, quality control, and regulatory compliance to support both production and commercial functions. As we continue to diversify our product range and implement our growth strategy, we are seeking a practical and motivated individual with a passion for technical work, experimentation, and continuous improvement to join our team.

About the Role

This role offers a unique opportunity to learn the science, engineering and art behind wax formulation and production. Working alongside our experienced Technical Team, you'll gain hands-on experience across both laboratory and manufacturing environments, learning how raw materials are tested, blended, and validated to meet stringent performance requirements.

You will receive training across a variety of technical areas, including:

Quality Control Testing

- conducting detailed physical and analytical evaluations of wax products to verify batch consistency and compliance with specifications

Raw Material Evaluation

- inspecting and testing incoming materials such as natural waxes, synthetic waxes, polymers, resins, and additives for conformity to specifications

Wax Blending Techniques

- learning to formulate and produce wax blends by weighing, melting, and mixing raw materials under controlled conditions. You'll gain experience with heated blending vessels, temperature control systems, and homogenisation equipment, and understand how blend ratios, additives, and processing parameters influence final product properties

Sample Preparation and Record Keeping

- accurately preparing and labelling test samples, maintaining comprehensive laboratory notebooks, batch sheets, and digital records. You'll ensure full traceability from raw material through to finished product, supporting ISO and internal quality management procedures

Laboratory Housekeeping and Equipment Maintenance

- maintaining a safe, organised, and efficient laboratory environment. This includes cleaning glassware, calibrating instruments, conducting routine maintenance checks, and ensuring all testing equipment is in optimal working condition
As your knowledge and confidence develop, you will also have the opportunity to assist with:

New product development and formulation trials Process optimisation projects to improve efficiency and reproducibility Method development and validation for new testing procedures

About You

We're looking for someone who enjoys hands-on, practical science and wants to build a career in a manufacturing laboratory environment.

Genuinely interested in materials science, chemistry, or formulation

Methodical and precise, with strong attention to detail

Curious and analytical, eager to understand how materials behave and interact

A team player, but comfortable working independently once trained

Enthusiastic, reliable, and committed to developing your technical skills

Previous experience in QC, formulation, or laboratory testing is helpful but not essential -- full training will be provided for the right person, with the desired attributes.

Why Join Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-looking, privately owned manufacturer where your curiosity, initiative, and commitment will be genuinely valued. You'll work as part of a close-knit, supportive team, gain practical laboratory experience, and see your work directly impact product quality and customer satisfaction.

For the right person, there are excellent opportunities for career progression.

If you're passionate about science, enjoy problem-solving, and want to grow with a company that values innovation and craftsmanship, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 23,000.00-26,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Employee mentoring programme Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Work Location: In person