Advanced Research Engineer – Defence, Advanced Materials
4 days ago
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 for?
- 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, honorary 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 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.
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