Advanced Research Engineer – Defence, Advanced Materials

About The Role
Location:
Bristol, UK

Salary:
£46,355 - £58,038 DOE + Benefits

Security Clearance:
Eligibility for UK Security Clearance required

Contract Type:
Permanent, Full-Time

About The Role
NCC is seeking a forward-thinking Advanced Research Engineer to lead high-impact innovation in advanced composite materials. This role is ideal for; a technically strong engineer with a deep foundation in materials science and engineering, manufacturing experience of relevance and a passion for translating research into industrial solutions.

You'll be instrumental in shaping the future of composite technologies for sectors, primarily defence (air/land/sea/space) but also aerospace, and other high-performance engineering sectors. We're looking for someone who can drive materials innovation and lead multidisciplinary programmes with confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex R&D programmes focused on advanced composite materials, manufacturing processes, and structural performance.
• Apply materials science expertise to develop novel fibre architectures, resin systems, and multifunctional composites.
• Collaborate with industry partners, government stakeholders, and academia to accelerate technology readiness and industrial adoption.
• Contribute to defence-related innovation, ensuring alignment with UK strategic priorities and secure technology development.
• Mentor junior engineers and researchers, fostering technical excellence and collaborative growth.
• Prepare technical documentation, proposals, and publications to support knowledge dissemination and future funding.
• Uphold security protocols and contribute to NCC's defence and national security strategy.

So, what are we looking fo
*r?*

• Degree, MSc or PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or a related discipline .
• Strong understanding of composite materials, their design, processing, and performance characteristics.
• Proven track record of leading R&D projects and delivering tangible outcomes.
• Experience working in industry, preferably within defence, aerospace, or high-performance sectors.
• UK National with eligibility to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC).
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and project leadership skills.

Desirable But Non-essential Attributes
Familiarity with:

• 3D textile technologies such as weaving, braiding, or embroidery for composite applications.
• Advanced materials, coatings, CVD, CVI, meta-surfaces or meta-materials.
• High temperature materials including ceramic composites and thermal protection systems.
• Destructive and non-destructive materials testing.
• Experience working across industry and with government bodies.
• Knowledge of digital design tools, simulation software, and automated manufacturing systems.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
• Awareness of sustainability and circularity in composite materials.

What do we offer in return?
Hybrid and flexible working as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honor ary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

Closing date for applications Tuesday 11th November 2025
- If you are interested please don't wait for the closing date to apply as we retain the right to close applications early depending on the quality and volume of candidates.

We see your future in ours. Apply now.

Notes/Brief for Recruitment Team:
About The Company
NCC is a world-leading innovation organisation that turns cutting-edge research and technology into industrial impact. We bridge the gap between academia and industry, helping companies of all sizes to capitalise on cutting-edge innovation to deliver more. We do this at every stage of their journey from the earliest concept to end-of-life.

The future of composites manufacturing relies on NCC, and we rely on the right individuals to make it happen, whether they're engineers or not

Why NCC?
We see our success in yours. Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do. At NCC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. We're always open to hearing how we can support flexible working in different ways, including part-time work. Please don't be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.

Diverse challenges
– NCC isn't just about aerospace. We're working with over 16 sectors and a variety of customers, from private ventures to the global tier 1 companies, providing variety to your experience.

Innovation
– a world-leading research and development centre, the work we do brings novel and innovative solutions to industry, with the future firmly in mind. So we need innovating thinking not just in Engineering, but across all support functions.

Development in composites, and you
– if the scope of exciting work isn't enough to sway you, our ethos of continued learning and development and flexible working patterns will.

We look forward to hearing from you.