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- Tasks: Lead high temperature materials projects, focusing on ceramics and composites in a cutting-edge lab.
- Company: Join MBDA, a top defence organisation dedicated to supporting armed forces globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous bonuses, pension contributions, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Tackle exciting technical challenges while contributing to national security and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Degree in Materials Science or related field with significant industry experience required.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and collaboration with diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to take a lead role for high temperature materials, mainly engineering ceramics and ceramic matrix composites within our state of the art Stevenage Materials and Processes Laboratory.
Salary: Circa £60,000 DOE + Excellent Benefits + Bonus + Flexible Working
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4 days per week on-site due to workload classification
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants seeking flexible arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: Up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave; enhancements available for paternity, neonatal, and fertility treatments
- Facilities: Subsidised meals, free parking, and more…
The opportunity:
In support of design, manufacturing, in-service, and R&D, you will specify, implement, and use engineering ceramic and CMC materials, especially those in high temperature or radio frequency applications. Your strong background in inorganic materials/chemistry and industry experience will ensure design engineers are recommended appropriate, compliant materials and processes, and that R&D materials are developed to be ready for insertion. As part of the UK Materials and Processes team, you will support all aspects of materials within company facilities, the customer, and the supply chain.
Key aspects of the role:
- Provide expertise in the specification, manufacturing, and use of ceramics and CMCs.
- Support other high temperature materials.
- Manage and deliver characterization programs, including hands-on activities.
- Lead complex R&D projects with internal and external stakeholders, including internationally.
- Advise procurement, projects, and engineering on subcontractor capabilities.
- Conduct material testing: microsectioning, examination, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and physical testing.
- Provide environmental and legislative guidance relevant to MBDA UK.
- Advise on health & safety, COSHH, REACH, and hazardous waste management.
- Travel to suppliers and attend conferences nationally and internationally, including the EU and US.
What we\’re looking for:
- Degree or equivalent in Materials Science, inorganic Chemistry, ceramics, or composites.
- Significant industry experience, including working in a busy laboratory.
- Practical and theoretical expertise in engineering ceramics or composites joining and bonding, with knowledge of COSHH and REACH.
- Experience in defence, aerospace, or safety-critical industries is advantageous.
- Strong communication skills and stakeholder management abilities.
- Motivation, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.
- Willingness to travel as needed.
- Flexibility to undertake various tasks, including outside area of expertise.
- Knowledge of RF or low observability is a plus.
What\’s in it for you?
- Stimulating technical challenges and personal development.
- Opportunities for on-the-job training, e-learning, and classroom learning.
- Travel opportunities within the UK and internationally.
- Work in a fast-paced, multi-functional team on new product lines.
Our company: MBDA is a leading defence organisation supporting armed forces to protect our nations. We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging all to apply and providing support throughout the recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK), and Glassdoor, or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
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Principal Materials Engineer employer: MBDA Missile Systems
Contact Detail:
MBDA Missile Systems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Materials Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in high temperature materials, particularly engineering ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the industry, which can give you an edge when discussing your experience and insights.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects where you've applied your expertise in ceramics or composites. Highlight your problem-solving skills and adaptability, as these are key traits the hiring team is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Research MBDA's current projects and initiatives related to materials science. Being able to reference their work during your discussions will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Materials Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in materials science, particularly with engineering ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your expertise in high temperature materials.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role at MBDA. Mention how your background aligns with their needs, especially in R&D and stakeholder management.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your practical and theoretical knowledge of ceramics and composites, as well as your understanding of health & safety regulations like COSHH and REACH. This will show that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application to eliminate any typos or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a technical role like this one.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA Missile Systems
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Materials Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of engineering ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied your knowledge in high-temperature materials, and how your expertise can benefit the company.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise your significant industry experience, especially in defence, aerospace, or safety-critical sectors. Share examples of how you've successfully managed complex R&D projects and collaborated with stakeholders, as this will showcase your ability to lead and deliver results.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to material testing, COSHH, REACH, and hazardous waste management. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain how you would approach various challenges in the role, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Highlight your stakeholder management abilities and provide examples of how you've built relationships in previous roles.
