Research Engineer - Materials & Processes

About The Role

At the National Composites Centre, we're building the future of composites, so when industry wants to advance, they come to us. And when they come to us, you're there to make things happen. We now have an exciting opportunity for a Research Engineer to join our Materials & Processes team.

M&P overviews projects from start to finish, with a particular focus on the initial stages of conceptual design and down-selection for product applications. You'll participate in requirements capture workshops, collaborating with cross-functional teams (design, analysis, sustainability etc.) and lead the material and manufacturing process down-selection elements for the desired application. Selection, and demonstration of, materials and manufacturing techniques are critical to our customer needs and success criteria. You'll also be hands-on with manufacturing, spending time on the shop floor alongside technicians, all while keeping sustainability in mind to minimize the carbon footprint on certain projects.

In this role, you'll work closely with customers providing direct reports and feedback. You'll produce high quality research and development outputs (reports, presentations, demonstrators/proof of concept articles) and understand how products can be verified and validated through inspection, non-destructive testing and/or mechanical, thermal and electrical testing (amongst others).

So, what are we looking for?

• Composite materials knowledge: You'll be an experienced engineer with a general understanding of the different materials available (thermosets, thermoplastics, ceramics and reinforcements). This includes off-the-shelf and low TRL materials that could satisfy the customer requirements. Additionally, you'll have experience with different manufacturing processes (resin infusion, prepreg layup, automation, filament winding, pultrusion, pressing etc.).
• Process engineering: You'll have some experience of process development and optimisation within an R&D or production organisation and be able to identify key process variables that will impact in the performance of the final part.
• Sustainability: You'll understand how to reduce the carbon footprint for composite manufacturing processes by selecting more sustainable materials. Experience of manufacture of composite raw materials from sustainable feedstocks may be beneficial.
• Characteristics of composite materials: You'll be able to identify the possible composite materials failure modes and defects and know how to verify the composite performance at various levels, from flat panels to component level.
• Teamwork: You're a strong team player, with excellent communication skills across different stakeholders.

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.

We see your future in ours. Apply now.