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. 

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 the 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.

Why the NCC?

We see our success in yours. The future of composites manufacturing relies on the NCC, and we rely on the right individuals to make it happen, whether they’re engineers or not!

Diverse challenges – the 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. #fulltime