Part of the Future Tech Jobs (opens in a new tab) network
Sign in

Materials Characterisation Specialist Jobs

Experts who delve into the micro and macro properties of materials to ensure they meet stringent performance standards. A critical role in advancing materials science and engineering.

Open roles
0
Browse latest jobs → Get an alert

Materials Characterisation Specialists play a pivotal role in the materials science industry, focusing on the detailed analysis and testing of materials to ensure they meet specific performance criteria. These specialists work across a range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare, where the properties of materials can make or break a product's success. They use advanced techniques and equipment to study the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of materials, providing crucial data for research and development teams.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Materials Characterisation Specialist

A typical week for a Materials Characterisation Specialist is a mix of laboratory work, data analysis, and collaboration with other scientists and engineers.

  1. 01
    Conducting experiments to test material properties
  2. 02
    Analysing data and preparing reports
  3. 03
    Collaborating with cross-functional teams
  4. 04
    Maintaining and calibrating laboratory equipment
  5. 05
    Attending project meetings and presenting findings
  6. 06
    Staying updated with the latest research and techniques
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for materials characterisation specialists. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Materials Characterisation Specialist

    0–2 yrs

    Assists in conducting basic characterisation tests and data collection under supervision.

  2. Level 2

    Materials Characterisation Specialist

    2–5 yrs

    Leads specific characterisation projects, interprets data, and contributes to research and development efforts.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Materials Characterisation Specialist

    5–10 yrs

    Manages multiple projects, mentors junior staff, and plays a key role in strategic decision-making.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Materials Characterisation Specialist

    10+ yrs

    Oversees the characterisation department, drives innovation, and collaborates with external partners and clients.

Pathway

How to become a Materials Characterisation Specialist

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Complete a degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field.

  2. 2

    Entry-Level Position

    Gain practical experience as a Junior Materials Characterisation Specialist in a laboratory setting.

  3. 3

    Specialisation

    Develop expertise in specific characterisation techniques and materials, such as electron microscopy or spectroscopy.

  4. 4

    Advanced Roles

    Progress to more senior roles, leading projects and contributing to research and development.

  5. 5

    Leadership

    Take on leadership responsibilities, managing teams and driving strategic initiatives.

  6. 6

    Industry Expert

    Become a recognised expert in the field, contributing to industry standards and collaborating with leading institutions.

No Materials Characterisation Specialist Jobs jobs right now

We don't have any matching roles at the moment, but new jobs are added daily.

Latest jobs

Johnson Matthey logo

Mechanical Technician

The role involves performing proactive and reactive mechanical maintenance on industrial systems within a high-hazard COMAH-regulated site. You'll conduct fault finding, equipment repairs, installations, and commissioning, using technical drawings and P&IDs to support safe and reliable operations. The position requires hands-on mechanical expertise in a 24/7 shift environment, focusing on improving engineering reliability and compliance.

Johnson Matthey North Hertfordshire, United Kingdom £44,113 – £60,345 pa
On-site Permanent Shift-work
Johnson Matthey logo

Site Electrician

The Site Electrician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in an industrial setting at Johnson Matthey’s Royston facility. Key duties include emergency lighting checks, circuit installations, PAT testing, PPMs, and coordinating with other trades. The role requires adherence to safety standards and electrical compliance, with a focus on reliability and fault-finding in a fixed-term contract.

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

Director of Packaging

Lead the development of advanced semiconductor packaging solutions for GaN-based power devices, combining technical expertise with leadership to drive innovation in thermal, electrical, and mechanical performance. Collaborate across internal teams and external partners to design wirebond, flip chip, and embedded packages, conduct multiphysics simulations, and support product qualification. Shape packaging strategy and contribute to the company’s technology roadmap in a hands-on, senior leadership role.

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

Dobson Professorship of Materials Science and Metallurgy

The role involves leading a world-class research programme in energy materials and materials discovery, with a focus on accelerating the development and translation of functional electronic materials and devices. The successful candidate will drive interdisciplinary collaborations, secure major research initiatives, and contribute to teaching, supervision, and academic leadership within the Department. Research approaches may be experimental, computational, or hybrid, with strategic emphasis on automation and low-power electronics for ICT.

University of Cambridge Cambridge, South East England, United Kingdom
Permanent
Cambridge GaN Devices logo

Senior Analog IC Design Engineer

Designs and develops GaN-based power integrated circuits using EDA tools, focusing on analog simulation, layout, and testing at wafer and packaged device levels. Responsible for SPICE modeling, IP generation, and supporting patent applications. Works within a research-driven team advancing energy-efficient semiconductor technology.

Cambridge GaN Devices Cambridge, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Staff Backend Software Engineer - GO & Python

This role involves building and maintaining a high-performance platform for AI-driven, physics-informed simulation models. You'll work closely with data scientists and simulation engineers in a cross-functional team, owning services from development through to production. The role emphasizes scalability, observability, and deep technical collaboration in a Kubernetes and event-driven environment.

PhysicsX London, United Kingdom
Browse all jobs →
FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field is typically required. Advanced roles may require a master's or PhD.

  • Key skills include analytical thinking, attention to detail, proficiency with laboratory equipment, and strong communication and teamwork abilities.

  • Industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and manufacturing frequently hire Materials Characterisation Specialists.

  • Salaries can vary based on experience and location. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

Hiring materials characterisation specialists?

Post your role in 90 seconds and reach the specialist audience that already reads this page.

Post a job → See pricing

🍪 A basic record of what gets searched and viewed on Materials Science is always kept — it is how we run the boards and report activity to employers. Accepting also loads third-party tools: Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity and HubSpot. We never sell your data or share it with data brokers. See our Cookie Policy.