Laboratory Technician
Date: May 16, 2026
Location: Cramlington, NBL, GB, NE23 8AS
Company: Gates Corporation
Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.
Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.
Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?
What To Expect
The Laboratory Technician supports the daily operations of the testing laboratory, providing technical and administrative assistance to Production, Quality, and Research & Engineering (R&E) functions. Reporting directly to the Engineering Materials and Test Manager, this role is responsible for executing routine laboratory testing, processing technical requests, maintaining accurate records, and supporting the Quality Management System (QMS).
The position plays an important role in ensuring materials and products meet defined specifications, regulatory standards, and internal quality requirements. The Laboratory Technician contributes to continuous improvement and materials development initiatives in line with the R&E strategic development plan.
The role includes basic decision‑making authority related to factory materials processing, including rubber compounds and rubberized textiles, within defined procedures, specifications, and escalation guidelines.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform Goods‑In, in‑process, and finished product testing in accordance with approved procedures and specifications
- Prepare, record, analyse, and maintain accurate laboratory test results and documentation
- Operate the material approval and release process and report out‑of‑specification results or trends to Quality management
- Process Quality Assurance and new product development testing requests and issue inspection reports and Certificates of Conformity
- Provide laboratory testing support and data to Production, Purchasing, Design, and Sales & Marketing teams
- Collect and organise test data in support of materials improvement and Research & Engineering initiatives
- Ensure full compliance with the Quality Management System and all regulatory, statutory, and corporate HSE requirements
Job Profile
- Has developed proficiency in a range of processes or procedures through job-related training and considerable on-the-job experience
- Completes a variety of atypical assignments, as needed
- Works within defined processes and procedures or methodologies and may help determine the appropriate approach for new assignments
- Has a good understanding of how the team integrates with others to achieve department objectives determine the appropriate approach for new assignments
- Likely to act as an informal resource for associates with less experience
- Provides solutions to problems in situations that are atypical based on existing precedents or procedures
- Impacts the quality and quantity of own work and its contribution to the team
- Uses communication skills to effectively exchange information; uses tact and diplomacy when dealing with others
Keys to Success
- Requires expertise in a variety of work processes through a combination of job-related training and/ or considerable on-the-job experience
- Requires proficiency in a range of analytical and technical processes or procedures to carry out assigned tasks
Supervisory Responsibilities
- None
- May provide informal guidance and support to team members; Likely to act as an informal resource for associates with less experience
Requirements and Preferred Skills
- 5-7 years of experience of quality and/or manufacturing process environment
- No degree requirements, however, a relevant professional qualification is preferred e.g. HNC in science related subject
- Good working knowledge of PC packages and information systems (windows, databases)
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Must possess good organizational skills and time management skills, allowing to multi-task and facilitate quality, product and new product development driven demands
Why Gates?
Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
Work Environment
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
GDPR: Gates are committed to protecting your private data. Please see below the link to our Job Applicants Privacy Statement which we would ask you to read in full. By applying for this position, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted this policy.
Gates Job Applicants Privacy Statement