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Materials Engineer Jobs

Engineers who design, develop, and test advanced materials. A critical role in industries from aerospace to healthcare, ensuring materials meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Open roles
8
Salary range
£29k – £53k
Hiring companies
6
View 8 live roles → Get an alert

Materials Engineers play a pivotal role in the development and application of advanced materials. They work across a range of industries, from aerospace and automotive to healthcare and electronics, ensuring that materials meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and sustainability. These engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing materials to meet specific requirements, often working in multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Materials Engineer

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

  1. 01
    Conduct experiments to test material properties.
  2. 02
    Analyse data and prepare reports.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with cross-functional teams on project goals.
  4. 04
    Attend meetings to discuss project progress and challenges.
  5. 05
    Stay updated with the latest research and industry trends.
  6. 06
    Document findings and contribute to technical publications.
Salary on the board

£29k – £53k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 17 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
15% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
30
45
11 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 15 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Materials Science
60%
Analytical Skills
33%
Problem Solving
27%
Metallurgy
27%
Technical Support
20%
Manufacturing Processes
20%
Communication Skills
20%
Data Analysis
20%
Mechanical Testing
20%
Microstructure Analysis
20%
Laboratory Testing
20%
Ferrous Metallurgy
20%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

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

  1. Level 1

    Junior Materials Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in material testing and data collection, working under the guidance of senior engineers.

  2. Level 2

    Materials Engineer

    3–5 yrs

    Lead specific projects, manage small teams, and contribute to the development of new materials.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Materials Engineer

    6–10 yrs

    Oversee multiple projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation in material development.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Materials Engineer

    10+ yrs

    Strategise long-term material development plans, lead large teams, and influence company direction.

Pathway

How to become a Materials Engineer

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

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Complete a degree in materials science, engineering, or a related field.

  2. 2

    Entry-Level Experience

    Gain practical experience through internships or junior roles in materials engineering.

  3. 3

    Specialisation

    Focus on a specific area of materials science, such as polymers, nanomaterials, or biomaterials.

  4. 4

    Advanced Roles

    Progress to senior roles, leading projects and managing teams.

  5. 5

    Leadership

    Take on leadership positions, driving strategic initiatives and innovation.

  6. 6

    Industry Expert

    Become a recognised expert in the field, contributing to industry standards and research.

Live jobs

8 live roles

Materials Test Engineer (Composites/ Adhesives)

This role involves manufacturing, testing, and evaluating composite materials and adhesives within a workshop environment. You'll work as part of a small technical team to support a high-profile client base in aerospace, Formula One, and defence sectors. The position offers hands-on technical development with a focus on gaining expert-level knowledge and long-term career growth.

Rise Technical Recruitment Honiton, United Kingdom £30,000 – £41,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required
Safran logo

Senior Materials Engineer

This role involves providing expert guidance on materials and processes to ensure the reliability and safety of electrical systems in aviation. The engineer will conduct in-depth material investigations, particularly focused on metallic materials and joining technologies, support R&D initiatives, and collaborate with suppliers and customers. Emphasis is placed on root cause analysis, technical reporting, and mentoring junior engineers within a high-integrity aerospace environment.

Safran Pitstone, Buckinghamshire, LU7 9QU, United Kingdom

Graduate Production Engineer (Composite Materials)

This role involves researching and selecting composite materials, developing and improving manufacturing processes, and producing technical drawings and machining programmes. The position offers opportunities for career progression and full training.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Barnstaple, United Kingdom £30,000 – £35,000 pa

Project Engineer - Materials & Processes

The Project Engineer for Materials and Processes at Airbus Belfast will lead strategic improvements in aerospace materials and processes, driving innovation and quality in a dynamic production environment. Key responsibilities include troubleshooting M&P challenges, optimizing manufacturing costs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support new aircraft development programs.

airbus United Kingdom

Senior Project Engineer - Materials & Processes

As a Senior Project Engineer for Materials and Processes at Airbus Belfast, you will manage M&P activities, lead product improvements, and coordinate with various departments to support A220 production. You will also build a strong stakeholder network and contribute to future aircraft development programs.

airbus United Kingdom

Production Engineer (Composite Materials)

This role involves researching and selecting composite materials, developing and improving manufacturing processes with a focus on automation, and producing technical drawings and machining programs using CAD/CAM. You will also troubleshoot manufacturing issues, prepare product costings, and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Barnstaple, United Kingdom £40,000 – £45,000 pa

Principal Scientist/Engineer - Battery Materials

Principal Scientist / Engineer - Battery MaterialsPermanent | Sedgefield | £49,045 - £65,045About the RoleWe are seeking aPrincipal Scientist / Engineer to join a growing technology team focused on battery materials, process development, and scale-up activities.This is a senior technical...

SRG County Durham, United Kingdom £49,045 – £65,045 pa

Senior/Principal Materials, Structures, and Thermal Engineer

This role involves leading materials selection, structural and thermal design for advanced air vehicles. Responsibilities include developing materials property data, performing FEA and thermal analysis, and mentoring a small, senior engineering team.

Matchtech London, United Kingdom
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • Materials Engineers are hired by a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, electronics, and manufacturing.

  • Essential skills include a strong foundation in materials science, analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and proficiency in laboratory techniques.

  • Continual learning, specialisation in a specific area, and gaining leadership experience are key to advancing your career in materials engineering.

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

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