Principal Research Engineer Composite Moulding

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Principal Research Engineer Composite Moulding

About The Role
NCC is a world-leading authority on composite materials research, development, and manufacturing. We work with global leaders across industries such as aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and defence to develop cutting-edge composite solutions. As part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the NCC is at the forefront of innovation, helping businesses turn ideas into reality.

We are seeking an experienced individual to join the ‘Composite Moulding’ team in a technical leadership role focused on prepreg composite manufacturing projects.

What you’ll be doing

Leading the technical manufacturing aspects of high-profile aerospace, space and defence projects.

Scoping projects to support strategic aims of customers and the NCC.

Building and leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver them.

Providing strategic governance of other projects to ensure relevance and quality delivery.

Supporting the Chief Engineer in revising, formulating and creating the roadmap for novel and innovative approaches and pioneering technical solutions.

Establishing and developing effective partnerships internally and externally with industry partners.

Representing NCC in relevant technical forums and championing our technical strategy.

So, what are we looking for?

Extensive theoretical knowledge and practical experience using a range of different prepreg materials.

Proven track record in high value manufacturing with prepreg composite materials.

Expertise in aerospace primary and secondary structures, including assembly and bonding of complex components, would be highly advantageous.

Experience of leading requirements capture processes in a potentially wide-ranging technical area, to structure and scope projects which match capability, budget and time constraints.

Proven capability in manufacturing process definition from the ground up including design for manufacture considerations.

Technical leadership on complex multi-disciplinary projects.

Excellent ability to communicate clearly and effectively with internal stakeholders, customers, and engineers across all aspects of a project.

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.

Closing date for applications 23:59 Friday 23rd January 2026
Notes/Brief for Recruitment Team:
About The Company
Who are NCC?

NCC is a world-leading innovation organisation that turns cutting-edge research and technology into industrial impact.

What we do

We help manufacturers take on bigger challenges - whether that’s building cleaner aircraft, scaling up offshore wind, or strengthening the UK’s supply chains. We’re here to deliver practical outcomes, not prototypes that sit on shelves.

Who we work with

We work across 16 sectors, from defence and energy to infrastructure and space. Some projects are with global tier 1s, others with small UK firms solving one specific problem - the works always varied, and always real.

What it’s like here
We’re not a startup. We’re not a corporate. We’re a national centre with the kit, time and people to do the job properly. The teams are focused, the thinking is sharp, and you’ll be trusted to get on with it.

Why this job matters
This role isn’t just internal support - it’s part of how we deliver nationally important work. If we do our job right, the UK’s manufacturers can do theirs better.