Materials Engineer

Job description

An innovative engineering organisation operating within the marine and defence sectors is seeking a Composites Engineer to join its R&D team. This is a hands-on, technical role with exposure to testing, research, and collaboration with external partners. The role offers significant growth potential as the company continues to expand its in-house capabilities.

Role Overview

As a Composites Engineer, you will play a key role in advancing the company’s materials science and processing capabilities, with a primary focus on polymer composites. Your work will be split approximately as follows:

• Testing (1/3): Hands-on operation, setup, and execution of materials and component tests
• Research (1/3): Supporting materials development projects and generating technical solutions to advance product performance
• Third-party liaison (1/3): Identifying and managing external test houses, suppliers, and research partners to complement in-house capabilities

You will have the opportunity to influence future product and manufacturing strategies, and develop into a subject matter expert, with a clear path for progression as the company continues to bring more activities in-house.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support composite materials testing, both in-house and in collaboration with external test facilities
• Conduct applied research on polymer composites to support new product development
• Identify and liaise with external test houses, suppliers, and research partners, ensuring successful third-party testing and research outcomes
• Operate, maintain, and optimise laboratory and test equipment
• Collaborate effectively within the team, contributing to planning, goal setting, and project delivery
• Communicate clearly with internal teams and external partners
• Undertake occasional domestic travel as required

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• Proven experience working with polymer composites
• Experience with metallurgy and ceramics is desirable but not essential
• Previous exposure to materials testing, research projects, or working with external partners is advantageous
• Hands-on experience with laboratory or test equipment is desirable; in-house training will be provided
• Strong organisational, teamwork, and communication skills
• Motivated, self-starting, and results-oriented approach

What’s on Offer

• A technically challenging, hands-on R&D role focused on composites
• Exposure to both in-house and third-party testing and research
• Opportunity to develop into a subject matter expert with a clear progression path
• Collaborative team environment within a forward-looking engineering company
• Chance to influence product and manufacturing strategies and contribute to sustainable, high-performance solutions

If you are interested, please apply!

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Portsmouth

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

09-02-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English