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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
£35k – £45k
Hiring companies
4
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

£35k – £45k

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

Salary visibility
11% of listings advertise a salary.
By seniority
£k base
Mid
34
45
10 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 14 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Materials Science
64%
Analytical Skills
36%
Problem Solving
29%
Metallurgy
29%
Manufacturing Processes
21%
Communication Skills
21%
Data Analysis
21%
Technical Support
21%
Mechanical Testing
21%
Microstructure Analysis
21%
Laboratory Testing
21%
Ferrous Metallurgy
21%
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 Engineer

This role involves providing metallurgical expertise to support customers and internal business units by analyzing materials, preparing and assessing microstructures, and conducting mechanical and chemical testing. The engineer will ensure compliance with safety regulations when handling chemicals and contribute to training activities for clients. Working within a small technical team, the position offers exposure to diverse industries and complex materials challenges.

Precision Resourcing Ltd Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom £40,000 – £45,000 pa
On-site Permanent

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

Materials Engineer

This role involves providing expert materials engineering support for Defence engine projects, either in a technical applications capacity or in acquiring next-generation materials technologies. The engineer will investigate materials-related issues across design, manufacturing, and in-service performance, conduct test programme analysis, and collaborate with internal teams, suppliers, and academic partners. Work includes developing specifications, evaluating new materials and processes, and supporting technology development through the TRL lifecycle.

Rolls Royce Bristol, United Kingdom

Materials Engineer

This role involves providing hands-on materials engineering support within a manufacturing environment, focusing on material selection, qualification, and resolving production issues. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure materials meet performance and compliance standards, while supporting continuous improvement initiatives. Expertise in metallic materials and practical manufacturing applications is essential.

Alexander Mann Solutions - Contingency Bristol, Bristol (county), United Kingdom

Materials Engineer (Non-metallics)

This role involves providing technical expertise in non-metallic materials, supporting the development of new technologies and materials for aerospace applications. The engineer will lead innovations through the technology readiness levels, evaluate manufacturing impacts on performance, design test programs, and collaborate across design, manufacturing, and service engineering. Work includes developing specifications and maintaining databases to support next-generation engine products.

Rolls Royce Bristol, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Advanced Materials Engineer

This role involves supporting aerospace product design and manufacturing through advanced materials engineering expertise. The engineer will evaluate materials for compliance with environmental regulations like REACh and TSCA, qualify new materials, and ensure supply chain performance and process compliance. Key responsibilities include driving specification standardization, supporting supplier transitions, and leading root cause analysis for product or process issues in a regulated aerospace environment.

Honeywell Aerospace Yeovil, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent

Materials Engineer (Non-metallics)

A Materials Engineer will provide technical expertise in non-metallic materials, supporting new design and technology development across the product lifecycle. The role involves evaluating manufacturing impacts on material performance, leading technologies through TRL stages, and collaborating with internal teams and external partners. Work includes developing test programmes, analysing data, and maintaining materials specifications for civil large engine applications.

Rolls Royce United Kingdom

Materials Engineer (Non-metallics)

This role involves providing technical expertise in non-metallic materials for aerospace applications, focusing on new technology development and materials lifecycle support. The engineer will lead technologies through the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) process, evaluate manufacturing impacts on performance, design test programmes, and support civil large engine programmes. Collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and academic partners is key to advancing next-generation materials solutions.

Rolls Royce Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 3AE, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

Bristol

Location
2 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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