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Lab Engineer

Reference: 55728
Salary: £35,000 - £55,000
Job Type: Perm
Sector: Engineering & Manufacturing
Posted: 26 July 2026

Got a question about this role?

Colette Circuitt

Colette Circuitt

Managing Consultant

I work in partnership with my clients to find outstanding talent within High-Tech Engineering and Scientific industries on a temporary and...
Read more about Colette →

About The Role


  • Perm
  • London, SW1
  • £35,000 - £55,000 GBP / Year
  • This position has been filled

Diffractive Labs

Lab Engineer

London | On-site | Competitive salary + benefits

Are you a practical, hands-on Lab Engineer who enjoys working with complex scientific equipment, troubleshooting problems and taking real ownership of the instruments you use?

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious, well-funded technology business developing a completely new approach to materials discovery.

You’ll join a small, highly technical team and work across a broad range of research-grade equipment, running experiments, maintaining instrumentation and helping develop a laboratory that is continuing to grow.

This is much more than simply operating laboratory equipment. You will have genuine ownership of the instruments you work with. 

For someone who enjoys being hands-on, likes understanding how things work and wants to join a business at an exciting stage of its growth, this could be a really interesting next move.

What you will be doing:

  • Operating and taking ownership of advanced laboratory equipment across materials synthesis and characterisation.

  • Carrying out routine and preventative maintenance to keep equipment running reliably.

  • Identifying and diagnosing faults before they become bigger problems.

  • Running experiments and ensuring accurate, reproducible data capture.

  • Working with equipment including high-vacuum systems, XRD, SEM, optical characterisation, high-temperature equipment and high-field magnets.

  • Writing and maintaining SOPs, risk assessments and maintenance records.

  • Managing consumables, materials and general equipment readiness.

  • Working closely with materials scientists and other technical specialists to support experimental programmes.

  • Supporting the integration of experimental data into automated and digital systems.

What we need from you:

  • Hands-on experience working with research-grade laboratory or scientific equipment.

  • Experience operating and maintaining equipment rather than purely using it for experimental work.

  • Practical experience across at least two relevant areas such as:

  • High-vacuum systems

  • XRD

  • SEM

  • Optical characterisation

  • High-temperature synthesis or metallurgical equipment

  • High-field magnets

  • A good practical understanding of vacuum systems, including pumps, leak detection and routine maintenance.

  • Confidence troubleshooting equipment and investigating technical problems.

  • A careful, methodical approach to documentation, safety and experimental data.

  • Someone comfortable working independently and taking responsibility for their own equipment.

  • A proactive attitude and willingness to get involved in whatever is needed within a small, growing team.

  • Experience within scientific instrumentation, semiconductor manufacturing, industrial R&D, national laboratories, major research facilities or a similar technical environment would be particularly relevant.

  • Exposure to CAD, instrument automation, scripting or automated data capture would be useful, but isn’t essential.

What can you expect in return:

  • Highly competitive salaries on offer

  • Excellent benefits package

Interested to find out more? Get in touch today.

About The ONE Group


The ONE Group is a specialist recruitment consultancy with offices in Cambridge, Peterborough, Northampton, and Hertfordshire.

We recruit across Technology, Engineering & Manufacturing, Scientific, Sales, and Marketing, with consultants who specialise in their sector rather than trying to cover everything. This focused approach allows us to provide deeper market knowledge, stronger networks, and better hiring outcomes for both clients and candidates.

Our expertise spans permanent, contract, and senior-level appointments. Most importantly, the majority of our business comes from repeat clients and referrals, reflecting the long-term relationships we build and the trust we earn through consistently delivering results.

What Happens Next


1

One of our consultants will review your application within one working day.

2

If your experience looks like a fit, we'll be in touch for a quick conversation to understand what you're looking for.

3

From there, we'll talk you through the role properly, prepare you for interview, and stay alongside you through to your start date.

4

Whatever happens with this role, we'll keep your details on file, with your permission, so we can flag other opportunities that suit you.

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