Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Mechanical Test Engineer/Sr Scientist

Wrexham
2 weeks ago
Create job alert

Mechanical Test Engineer/Sr Scientist

Smart4Chemicals are recruiting for a leader in polymer and materials manufacturing for a Mechanical Test Engineer/Sr Scientist. As part of their growing Materials and Testing Laboratory in Wrexham, they are looking for a Mechanical Test Engineer to support product qualifications, development, and problem resolution for the aerospace sector.

This role offers hands-on involvement in test method development, continuous improvement, and expansion of testing capabilities across mechanical, physical, and NDI techniques. To be considered for this role you will be degree educated in Materials Science, Chemistry or Mechanical Engineering (ideally PhD educated), with previous industrial experience of developing analytical, physical and mechanical testing methods of polymers, composites or materials.

Responsibilities:

Develop and improve mechanical and analytical test methods
Lead method development and continuous improvement initiatives
Deliver and enhance internal training programmes
Lead the development and analytical laboratory when required
Support customer test requests and generate detailed technical reports
Conduct root cause analysis and troubleshoot test failures
Drive reporting improvements and standardisation
Expand testing capabilities and gain key accreditations
Collaborate across the global network and with external partners

Key Requirements:

Degree educated in Science, Engineering, or Technology (PhD in Polymer or Materials Science preferred)
5+ years' experience in a technical role within advanced materials
2+ years' leadership or supervisory experience (preferred)
Experience with Six Sigma, Lean, and Continuous Improvement tools
Strong knowledge of composites, resin systems, fibre types, and relevant test methods
Confident communicator with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
Able to manage multiple priorities and work independently

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Materials Scientist

Maintenance Engineer

Quality Inspector

Injection Moulding Shift Process Engineer

Assembly Fitter

Injection Moulding Process Engineer

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Materials Science Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK materials science hiring has shifted from title‑led CV screens to capability‑driven assessments that emphasise characterisation with clear conclusions, scale‑up to pilot/production, standards compliance (ASTM/ISO/IATF/AS9100), sustainability/ESG, data literacy & measurable product or yield improvements. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews & how to prepare—especially for battery/materials engineers, polymer/composites specialists, metallurgists, ceramics/glass scientists, surface/thin‑film engineers, failure analysts, process/quality engineers & materials informatics roles. Who this is for: Materials scientists & engineers (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, semiconductors, thin films, coatings), process/scale‑up & manufacturing engineers, CMC in materials for life sciences, QA/QC, failure analysis, test & characterisation, sustainability/LCAs, and materials informatics/data roles in the UK.

Why Materials Science Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Materials science has always been an interdisciplinary field, sitting at the crossroads of physics, chemistry & engineering. But in the UK today, as the demand for sustainable technologies, advanced composites & biomedical innovations grows, materials science careers are becoming even more multidisciplinary. Employers are now looking beyond technical expertise. Success in modern materials roles increasingly requires awareness of law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design. These five areas shape how new materials are researched, applied, communicated and trusted in society. This article explores why materials science careers in the UK are becoming more multidisciplinary, how these fields intersect with scientific practice, and what job-seekers & employers should do to adapt.

Materials Science Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Materials Science Department

Materials science is a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, and data science. In the UK, advances in materials science are powering innovation in sectors such as aerospace, defence, electronics, energy storage, healthcare, and sustainable manufacturing. Whether you are aiming for a role in R&D, testing, manufacturing, or product development, understanding how a materials science department is structured—and what each role does—can help you make informed decisions in your career or hiring. Below is a detailed guide to modern materials science team structures: roles and responsibilities, how they collaborate throughout the lifecycle of materials, required skills and qualifications, typical UK salary ranges, trends, challenges, and best practices for building strong teams that deliver reliable materials solutions.