Production Supervisor/ ManagerNewport, commutable from Cardiff, Cwmbran, Caldicot, Caerphilly, Pontypool and surrounding areas£37,000 - £45,000 + Days Based Shift Pattern (Monday to Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm) + Early Finish on Fridays (7:30am-12:30pm) + No Weekends + 25 Days Holiday + Company Pension + BenefitsExciting opportunity for someone looking to take the next challenge in their career, in a role where you will...
Design ApproverBristol / Hybrid (M5 / M4 / M32 area).12 month fixed-term contract.My client is a rapidly expanding Engineering Consultancy, who have been engaged for an exciting aerospace programme. As an organisation, they employ over 16,000 people, across 22 Countries and are proud to house some of the best talent in the industry – all attracted to the organisation by...
Composites TechnicianSalary: £37,000 - £40,000 per annumLocation: Near Oxford, UKHours: Monday to Friday, day shiftInterview Process: Video interview followed by a 2nd stage face-to-face interviewStart Date: ASAPDuration: PermanentAre you a skilled technician with a passion for precision engineering and composites manufacturing?We are excited to offer a unique opportunity to join a leading space systems manufacturer that is at the cutting...
Pattern Maker/Woodworker£30-35k DOE + bonusFull time, permanent with early finish FridayGloucesterAn award-winning business are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Pattern Maker/Woodworker to join the Manufacturing Materials team. In this role, you will produce patterns and moulds using a variety of materials, including composites, metal, and wood.Key Responsibilities:· Construct patterns and moulds from metal, wood and composite materials from drawings and...
Health, Safety & Environmental ManagerFull – Time Permanent37.5 Hours per weekTipton£50,000 per AnnumWhat’s in it for you?8:30am – 4:30pm Monday – FridayPension scheme – scaled up depending on your contribution – the company will pay up to a maximum of 9% if the employee pays 7%Onsite Parking27 days holiday per year plus 8 Bank HolidaysLife assurance 4 x salaryFree level...
Our client based in Farnborough is looking for an Electronics Assembler / Proto-Type Wirer to join their team on a contract basis. Our client produce work alongside their customers in engineering-led industries which include, custom- metalwork engineering and electro-mechanical integration.ResponsibilitiesBuild, assemble and test electronics assets, including electro-mechanical, surface mount and through-hole componentsFault-finding at the top level and down to component...
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Materials science—an interdisciplinary field bridging chemistry, physics, and engineering—has been instrumental in driving innovation for centuries. From early metallurgical breakthroughs to the modern-day quest for sustainable polymers and advanced composites, materials science has remained at the heart of technological progress. Today, the UK public sector harnesses this expertise across numerous areas, from improving the resilience of national infrastructure to pioneering medical devices in the NHS. Consequently, materials science jobs are increasingly in demand within government agencies, research laboratories, and public service bodies. For professionals in materials science, the public sector presents unique opportunities: the chance to work on high-profile projects that directly impact society, access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, and a stable environment where scientific endeavours are closely tied to public welfare. In this extensive guide, we’ll explore why materials science is crucial for government and public bodies, highlight key organisations—such as the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the National Health Service (NHS), and research councils—and provide practical advice on the roles available, required skills, and application processes. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how you can leverage your expertise to pursue a meaningful career in materials science jobs within the UK public sector.
Materials science sits at the heart of technological innovation, shaping everything from aerospace alloys and nanocomposites to smart polymers and sustainable packaging solutions. The UK, boasting a strong heritage in advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology, and research, offers a vibrant market for materials scientists seeking to push the boundaries of performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Yet, as you navigate the rapidly evolving materials science landscape in 2025, you may wonder: Should I pursue a day‑rate contracting role, a fixed-term contract, or a permanent position? Which choice will pay better, and which best aligns with my career aspirations? This article delves into the pros and cons of each employment model, highlights typical salary or day‑rate expectations, and provides sample take‑home pay scenarios for an evidence-based comparison. Whether you’re researching biomaterials in a lab or implementing advanced composites in automotive manufacturing, understanding these pathways will help you chart a course for success.
Beyond the Microscope From battery gigafactories in Sunderland to carbon‑fibre composites for Formula 1 in Silverstone, Britain’s materials‑science sector is booming. Yet most career advice focuses on PhDs wielding scanning‑electron microscopes. The truth? New materials only create value when product, supply‑chain, compliance and commercial experts translate discoveries into market realities. MakeUK’s Advanced Materials Roadmap 2024 estimates that 37 % of advertised materials‑science vacancies in Britain prioritise business, regulatory or project skills over laboratory work. If you excel at strategy, sustainability or storytelling, this guide reveals where you fit in—no lab goggles required.
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