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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
9
Salary range
£30k – £70k
Hiring companies
8
View 9 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

£30k – £70k

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

By seniority
£k base
Entry
30
35
1 job
Mid
30
45
9 jobs
Senior
42
70
2 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 13 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Materials Science
54%
Data Analysis
38%
Analytical Skills
38%
Problem Solving
31%
Composites
31%
NDT
31%
Communication Skills
23%
Manufacturing Processes
23%
Materials Testing
23%
DT
23%
Report Writing
23%
Engineering
15%
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

9 live roles

See all 9 roles →

Materials Engineer

As a Materials Engineer, you will lead material testing and qualification activities, support the development of new materials and manufacturing processes, and work closely with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams. The role involves solving technical challenges, managing multiple projects, and driving continuous improvement in a collaborative environment.

Morgan Ryder Associates Capenhurst, Cheshire, CH1 6HJ, United Kingdom £40,000 – £45,000 pa
On-site Permanent Part-time

Materials Engineer

As a Material & Process Engineer, you will focus on enhancing manufacturing processes, selecting optimal materials, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will collaborate with production, quality, and design teams to ensure high-quality and cost-effective manufacturing outputs, while also supporting new product introductions and process validations.

Hays Engineering Chester, Cheshire, CH65 9HY, United Kingdom £35,000 – £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

The Materials Engineer role involves providing technical materials advice, designing test programmes, and analyzing test data for Defence Aerospace projects. You will work on continuous improvement projects and investigate engineering and manufacturing issues using structured analytical methods.

Rolls Royce United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Materials Engineer

This role involves providing metallurgical and technical support to clients across high-performance industries such as aerospace, defence, and medical engineering. The engineer will prepare and analyse metal samples, conduct testing, and ensure safe handling of materials in a laboratory environment. It offers hands-on technical work with opportunities for professional growth in a diverse industrial context.

Hue Recruitment Sg188Qb, SG18 8QB, United Kingdom £40,000 – £45,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Materials Engineer - Automotive

This role involves supporting material investigations, conducting various material tests, and providing technical findings to engineering teams. You will work in a high-performance engineering environment, collaborating with experienced engineers and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

ASL Technical Ltd Sheerwater, Surrey, GU21 5PJ, United Kingdom £25 – £29 ph
On-site Contract
MBDA logo

Senior Materials Engineer

This role involves working in a state-of-the-art Materials Laboratory, providing practical support and complex solutions for laboratory analysis to support production for national and international projects. You will be at the forefront of Materials Technology, with opportunities for travel and development in related fields.

MBDA Middle Hulton, Manchester, BL5 1FJ, United Kingdom £42,000 – £45,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Flexible

Materials Test Technician (Progression to Engineer)

This role involves conducting a wide variety of tests on exotic materials, creating and testing material specimens, writing reports, and performing data analysis. The position offers a structured development plan to progress to a Materials Engineer, working with cutting-edge technology in the Defence and Aerospace industries.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Honiton, United Kingdom £30,000 – £35,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required
See all 9 roles →
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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