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Materials Science Jobs in Cambridge

Cambridge is a global hub for materials science, home to leading universities, research institutions, and innovative companies. The city's ecosystem fosters cutting-edge research and development in advanced materials, from polymers to nanomaterials.

Open roles
30
Salary range
£37k – £60k
Hiring companies
6
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Cambridge is renowned for its world-class research and development in materials science. The city hosts a vibrant ecosystem of universities, research institutions, and innovative companies, making it a prime location for materials scientists and engineers. The University of Cambridge, in particular, is a powerhouse in this field, with its Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy leading numerous breakthroughs. Many scaleups and research-heavy startups in the area focus on developing advanced materials, including polymers, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and composites. The local job market is a mix of on-site and hybrid roles, offering flexibility and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Salary on the board

£37k – £60k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 5 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Mid
40
60
4 jobs
Live jobs

30 live roles

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Materials Engineer

This role involves working in advanced laboratories to test and evaluate materials used in automotive manufacturing. The engineer will assess new products and processes, identify defects in materials or manufacturing, and recommend improvements. Collaboration with a multi-site engineering team is a key part of the position.

Entech Technical Solutions Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 1XH, United Kingdom £50 ph
On-site Contract

Materials Engineer

This role involves providing metallurgical expertise by preparing and analysing metal microstructures, supporting mechanical and chemical testing, and delivering technical support to customers and internal teams. The engineer will work across high-tech sectors including aerospace, defence, and medical, with a strong focus on laboratory-based metallography and materials analysis. Safety, precision, and technical communication are central to the position.

Hue Recruitment Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom £40,000 – £45,000 pa
On-site Permanent
Johnson Matthey logo

Process Engineer

The Process Engineer will support the PGMR Refinery by ensuring safe and efficient hydrometallurgical operations, optimising plant output through data analysis and technical leadership. You'll lead process improvements, conduct risk assessments, and contribute to safety and compliance initiatives within a sustainable technology environment. The role involves cross-functional collaboration to resolve technical issues and drive operational excellence.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
On-site Contract
Johnson Matthey logo

Process Chemist

Job title: Process ChemistLocation: Royston, UK12 months FTCAt Johnson Matthey, your work will matter. As a Process Chemist, you’ll join a world leader in platinum group metals with over 200 years of history. Using advanced metals chemistry, you’ll help tackle...

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Quality Engineer (Manufacturing)

This role involves working in a close-knit team of 3 to enhance quality functions across a busy production site. Responsibilities include improving the QMS, conducting audits to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 standards, handling customer complaints, and performing root cause analyses. The company is a world leader in developing specialist materials for the medical industry, offering meaningful and impactful work.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Saffron Walden, CB10 1NQ, United Kingdom £37,000 – £40,000 pa
On-site Permanent

CNC Miller

The CNC Miller role involves operating and setting 5-axis CNC milling machines to produce composite and metallic components for the aerospace and defence industries. Responsibilities include manual machining, interpreting technical drawings, maintaining quality standards, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Response Personnel Chatteris, United Kingdom £16 – £18 pa
On-site Permanent
Cambridge GaN Devices logo

Senior Power Device Engineer

The Senior Power Device Engineer will lead research and innovation projects for GaN-based power devices and ICs, working closely with a multidisciplinary team. Responsibilities include feasibility studies, hands-on simulations, and managing technology requirements to drive the development of energy-efficient power solutions.

Cambridge GaN Devices Cambridge, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
Cambridge GaN Devices logo

Senior Analog IC Design Engineer

Senior Analog IC Design EngineerTeam – R&D EngineeringLocation – Cambridge, UKContract – Full-time, PermanentAbout CGDMaking Sustainable Power Electronics PossibleA spin-out of the Cambridge University, Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD) is a fabless semiconductor company that develops a range of energy-efficient GaN-based...

Cambridge GaN Devices Cambridge, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent
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The scene

Hiring in Cambridge

Cambridge's materials science sector is driven by a combination of academic excellence and industrial innovation. The city's universities and research institutions provide a steady stream of highly qualified graduates and postdoctoral researchers, making it an attractive location for companies seeking top talent.

The local job market is characterised by a diverse range of opportunities, from fundamental research in academic settings to applied development in industry. Many roles involve interdisciplinary collaboration, offering materials scientists the chance to work with experts from other fields such as chemistry, physics, and engineering.

The city's commitment to sustainability and advanced technologies also means that there is a growing focus on developing materials for green applications, such as renewable energy and environmental remediation.

FAQs

Common questions

  • Companies in Cambridge range from academic institutions like the University of Cambridge to research-heavy startups and scaleups. The larger consultancies and pharmaceutical firms also have a presence.

  • Many roles in Cambridge offer a hybrid model, combining on-site work with remote flexibility. However, laboratory-based positions typically require more on-site presence.

  • Key areas of research include polymers, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and composites. There is also significant work in materials characterisation and metallurgy.

  • The job market in Cambridge is highly competitive, with a concentration of top talent and leading institutions. However, the city's strong ecosystem provides numerous opportunities for skilled professionals.

  • Salary ranges can vary widely depending on experience and role. For more detailed information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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