Materials & Process Development Engineer in Bristol

Materials & Process Development Engineer in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 40000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape and deliver advanced materials and WAAM capabilities in a hands-on engineering role.
  • Company: Join DEEP Manufacturing, a leader in large-format metal additive manufacturing.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture that values curiosity, excellence, and diversity.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovation, pushing boundaries in additive manufacturing.
  • Qualifications: MSc or PhD in Materials Science or related field with 3+ years experience.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.

As Materials & Process Development Engineer, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering the company’s advanced materials and WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) capability. The role spans R&D, process industrialisation, and compliance, positioning you at the interface between product innovation, quality assurance, and manufacturing readiness. This is a technically hands-on, strategically important role, ideal for someone with a strong foundation in metallurgy, a deep understanding of additive processes, and the drive to push new materials and methods into production. You will play a critical role in building internal infrastructure, guiding qualification pathways, and ensuring external technical credibility with customers, auditors, and partners.

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Process & Technology Development: Provide technical support in the development, optimisation, and qualification of WAAM processes across a range of structural alloys. Act as a focal point for material-related manufacturing strategies, driving repeatability, build quality, and throughput improvements.
  • Materials Introduction & Qualification: Support and lead cross-functional efforts to introduce new materials into the Additive Manufacturing portfolio, from feasibility to qualification. Coordinating internal trials and external validation activities to ensure materials are fit for purpose and compliant with customer and regulatory expectations.
  • Internal Capability Building: Establish, develop and maintain in-house materials characterisation and quality control infrastructure, including sample preparation, metallography, and optical microscopy. Define and implement repeatable procedures that support both R&D and production, enabling scalable, traceable evaluation of material quality and process performance.
  • Governance & Compliance: Support and maintain systems aligned with ISO 9001 and engage directly with class societies and third-party auditors. Ensure that documentation, traceability, and technical reporting meet the standards required for regulated applications (e.g., marine, defence).
  • Training & Knowledge Transfer: Mentor engineers and technicians in the application of WAAM techniques, metallurgical analysis, and equipment use. Drive continuous upskilling across the team to embed best practice in process execution and quality control.
  • Research & External Engagement: Represent the company in technical forums and conferences. Take ownership of collaborative R&D efforts that align with strategic goals and contribute to the company’s technical reputation in the additive manufacturing field.

Requirements

  • Degree (MSc or higher, PhD preferred) in Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Proven track record in additive manufacturing process development, particularly WAAM or DED
  • Strong technical grounding in welding metallurgy and materials characterisation techniques
  • Experience working within a certified QMS (ISO 9001) and engaging with certification bodies
  • Ability to translate R&D outcomes into practical, scalable solutions for production
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to troubleshooting manufacturing issues.

Benefits

  • Salary – Competitive
  • Bonus – Performance related bonus scheme
  • Pension - 9% employer contribution with an optional employee contribution
  • Annual Leave – 25 days, plus statutory holidays

Who we are

DEEP Manufacturing, based in Avonmouth (Bristol) offers advanced manufacturing capabilities and expertise in large-format metal additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping and material testing. Our advanced manufacturing facilities include a state-of-the-art robotics suite, offering 3D printing services and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) capabilities which means we can deliver manufacturing projects in less time and at lower costs compared to traditional manufacturing processes.

Working at DEEP

We're a team of highly experienced engineering, operations, quality and safety experts, with a funding model that allows us the freedom to think long term and pursue our mission without traditional restraints. We want to drive progress at the forefront of manufacturing and the values we bring to work every day are critical:

  • Be Curious: Find a better way and ask why not? Answers are easy, questions are hard – ask original questions and be a curiosity catalyst!
  • Be Exceptional: It will take the most intelligent, talented and creative people on the planet working together to achieve our mission. Get it done, be relentless in your pursuit of excellence, and demand excellence from everyone.
  • Be Fearless: No one has done this on the scale we're doing it before. Impossible things must be done for the first time. We are the team pushing boundaries!
  • Be Good: Cultivate passion and thrive together. Be safe, take intelligent risks, but never compromise the safety of the team – ever!

At DEEP, we celebrate and embrace diversity and inclusion and strongly believe that the best innovations come from diverse perspectives. We invite applicants from all backgrounds to join us in creating technology that makes a meaningful impact on humanity, our oceans and planet.

Materials & Process Development Engineer in Bristol employer: DEEP MANUFACTURING LIMITED

DEEP Manufacturing is an exceptional employer located in Avonmouth, Bristol, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including a performance-related bonus and generous pension contributions, and a culture that encourages curiosity and excellence, DEEP empowers its team to push boundaries in advanced manufacturing. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and forward-thinking workplace.

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Contact Details:

DEEP MANUFACTURING LIMITED Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Materials & Process Development Engineer in Bristol

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

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Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces

Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!

Leverage the Power of Internships

While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.

Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like DEEP MANUFACTURING LIMITED, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!

We think you need these skills to ace Materials & Process Development Engineer in Bristol

Metallurgy
Additive Manufacturing
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
Process Development
Materials Characterisation
Quality Control
ISO 9001 Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to DEEP MANUFACTURING LIMITED specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!

How to prepare for a job interview at DEEP MANUFACTURING LIMITED

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with DEEP MANUFACTURING LIMITED, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.

Technical Questions Are Key

Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.

Align Your Values with Quality and Safety

In a full-time role, companies like DEEP MANUFACTURING LIMITED value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.