Job Title: Configuration Manager Job Reports To: Engineering Director Department: Vehicles Location: Coventry CV6 Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon – Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri) Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full-time and based onsite with potential hybrid working Salary: £60,000+ (subject to experience) per annum + Discretionary Bonus JOB SUMMARY Are you a Configuration Manager looking for a new challenge and the chance to...
N P Aerospace Ltd
Longford, Coventry
Physicist
Physicist Location: York, UK Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent Sector: Scientific Instrumentation | Electron Optics | Surface Science Seeking a role at the forefront of scientific instrumentation and applied physics? Our client, a leading developer of advanced electron-optical and surface science instruments, is seeking a Physicist to join their growing R&D team. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career...
Anonymous
York
Production Operative
Trimming Operative – Temp to Perm Hours: Monday to Thursday: 07:30 – 16:15 Friday: 07:30 – 12:30 Pay Rate: £12.21 per hour Introduction We are currently recruiting for a Trimming Operative to join a well-established manufacturing business based in Coventry on a temporary-to-permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking long-term, stable employment with full training provided. Key...
Elevation People Solutions
Coventry
Mechanical Design Engineer (Motorsport)
Are you ready to push the boundaries of automotive innovation? We're seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Design Engineer (Motorsport) to join our client's fast-paced, high-performance engineering team. This is a rare opportunity to work on the cutting edge of electric hypercar development—from concept to production. You'll be instrumental in designing mechanical systems that define the future of performance, precision, and...
Evera Recruitment Ltd
Howley
Chemistry Graduate
Opportunity for a science graduate (chemistry, forensic science, environmental science, biochemistry, biology, materials science) to join an award-winning business as a graduate internal sales scientist. Structured Training & Personal Development: Over a two-year period, you'll receive extensive and varied training across the business. Expert mentors will guide you through a personal development plan, giving you structured career progression. Attractive Remuneration...
Sigma Recruitment
Derwen
Software Engineer
Software Engineer – Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Oxford-based Permanent, Full-Time £45,000–£65,000 DOE + Excellent Benefits Join a fast-growing and innovative technology company at the forefront of advanced materials development and next-generation manufacturing. Operating globally across multiple sites, this organisation brings together a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and software developers to solve complex engineering challenges using data-driven methods and cutting-edge...
Materials science sits at the heart of innovation — from sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing to aerospace, electronics, healthcare and beyond. It is an interdisciplinary field combining physics, chemistry, engineering and applied science to design and improve materials that power modern technology.
Despite the clear strategic importance of materials science, employers across the UK report persistent challenges hiring graduates who are truly job-ready. Organisations need professionals who can contribute immediately to research, development, manufacturing, quality control and product scale-up — yet many recent graduates struggle to bridge the gap between academic preparation and workplace demands.
This gap is not caused by a lack of intelligence or enthusiasm. It is a growing skills gap between what universities teach and what real materials science jobs require.
This article explores the materials science skills gap in depth: what universities teach well, what they often miss, why the gap exists, what employers want, and how aspiring professionals can bridge the divide to build successful careers in this vital UK industry.
Thinking about a career switch into materials science in your 30s, 40s or 50s? You’re not alone. In the UK, materials science underpins innovations in aerospace, automotive, healthcare, energy, manufacturing & sustainability — and employers are increasingly open to talent with diverse backgrounds. But the field is often misunderstood as being only for PhDs in labs, which can put off experienced professionals who have valuable transferable skills.
This guide gives you a clear, practical UK-focused reality check: which materials science careers are realistic, what skills employers are looking for, how long retraining usually takes, how to position your experience and whether age is a factor (hint: it’s your strengths that matter most).
Whether you come from engineering, manufacturing, research support, quality, operations, design, project management or consultancy, this article shows how your background can translate into a materials science career in the UK.
Materials science underpins many of the UK’s most advanced industries, from aerospace and automotive to energy, semiconductors, construction, defence and advanced manufacturing. Employers rely on materials scientists and engineers to develop, test and optimise materials that meet increasingly demanding performance, safety and sustainability requirements.
Yet many employers struggle to attract the right candidates. Materials science job adverts often receive limited applications or applicants whose experience does not match the role’s technical requirements. At the same time, experienced materials professionals ignore adverts that feel vague, overly academic or disconnected from real industrial challenges.
In most cases, the issue is not a lack of talent — it is the clarity and quality of the job advert.
Materials scientists are evidence-driven, detail-oriented and highly selective. A poorly written job ad signals weak technical understanding and unclear expectations. A well-written one signals credibility, purpose and serious intent.
This guide explains how to write a materials science job ad that attracts the right people, improves applicant quality and strengthens your employer brand.
Shaping the Future of Materials
Your Gateway to Materials Science Careers
Connecting talented materials scientists and engineers with innovative companies developing cutting-edge materials and technologies.
Job Seekers:
Explore a wide range of materials science roles, from research and development to manufacturing and applications. Find your next challenge in areas like polymers, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and metallurgy.
Precise Talent Acquisition:
Build a leading materials science team with top talent skilled in materials characterisation, processing, and analysis. Post your materials science jobs and attract the best candidates.
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