At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead non-metallic mechanical testing and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join Element Materials Technology, a leader in materials science and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a global team dedicated to making tomorrow safer than today.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and performance in various industries.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in relevant fields and hands-on experience in materials testing.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Join Element Materials Technology and play a vital role at our Hitchin site, where science meets innovation and quality drives everything we do, all with one clear purpose: Making Tomorrow Safer Than Today!
We are seeking a technically driven professional to provide expert support for non‑metallic mechanical testing activities, specialising in composite and polymer materials. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of materials performance, reliability, and safety, ensuring our technical governance remains robust, compliant, and aligned with the highest quality and safety standards.
In this role, you will:
- Provide hands‑on technical expertise across non‑metallic mechanical testing programmes
- Support and uphold technical governance in line with established quality systems
- Ensure compliance with safety procedures and regulatory requirements
- Act as a key technical authority for composite and polymer material testing
- Drive continuous improvement in processes, technical capability, and operational excellence
At Element, you’ll be part of a global organisation supporting leading companies across aerospace, automotive, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Every test you oversee, every standard you uphold, and every improvement you drive contributes to safer products, stronger performance, and greater confidence for our customers worldwide.
If you are passionate about materials science, committed to technical integrity, and motivated by the impact your expertise can make, this is your opportunity to help us continue making tomorrow safer than today.
Responsibilities:
- Act as the technical lead for clients, supporting enquiries, proposals, meetings, and project updates
- Deliver client testing projects, including high‑value and bespoke R&D programmes, to support site financial targets
- Develop and implement new testing methodologies and best practices across the site and wider network
- Provide technical guidance to Laboratory Managers, project managers, and operational teams
- Represent the business at committees, working groups, conferences, and exhibitions, sharing key insights internally
- Contribute to site strategy, business cases, capex justifications, and business development initiatives
- Collaborate with commercial and functional teams to achieve technical and commercial objectives
- Lead technical reviews, support audits, maintain accreditations, and ensure compliance with quality standards
- Strengthen safety culture through risk assessment review, safety investigations, and operational document approval
- Support recruitment, training, competency development, and mentoring of technical and operational staff
Skills / Qualifications:
- BSc or MSc in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline (PhD desirable for R&D or advanced analysis roles)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Scientist (CSci) preferred
- Extensive hands‑on experience in materials testing, analysis, and characterisation
- Strong expertise in mechanical testing (tensile, compression, fatigue, fracture toughness, hardness) and failure/root cause investigations
- Experience developing, validating, and optimising test methods
- Background in regulated industries (e.g. aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, defence, construction)
- Proficient in technical writing, including test procedures, SOPs, and reports
- Proven ability to lead projects and mentor junior engineers/scientists
- Experience working to international standards (ASTM, ISO, BS EN) within accredited laboratories (ISO 17025 preferred)
- Practical experience with mechanical testing instrumentation including Instron, MTS, ZwickRoell UTM systems, servo‑hydraulic fatigue rigs, and impact testing equipment (Charpy/Izod)
Diversity Statement:
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming 'the world’s most trusted testing partner'. All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work-related criteria and without regard for age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.
Technical Specialist – Non-Metallic – Mechanical Testing in Hitchin employer: Element Materials Technology Ltd.
Element Materials Technology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Hitchin site where innovation and quality are at the forefront of our mission to make tomorrow safer than today. We prioritise employee growth through continuous training and mentorship opportunities, fostering a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to be part of a global team that supports leading industries while enjoying the benefits of working in a cutting-edge facility dedicated to excellence in materials testing.
Contact Detail:
Element Materials Technology Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Specialist – Non-Metallic – Mechanical Testing in Hitchin
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the materials science field, especially those who work at Element or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss your hands-on experience with mechanical testing and materials analysis confidently. We want to see your passion for making tomorrow safer!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in quality assurance or R&D environments. This will highlight your ability to drive continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Element and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Specialist – Non-Metallic – Mechanical Testing in Hitchin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in materials testing and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills in polymers, composites, and mechanical testing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about materials science and how you can contribute to making tomorrow safer than today. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, be sure to mention specific technical skills and experiences that relate to the role. Whether it's your hands-on experience with testing equipment or your knowledge of quality assurance labs, we want to know what makes you a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Element Materials Technology Ltd.
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of polymers, composites, and the various mechanical testing methods like tensile and fatigue tests. Being able to discuss specific materials and their properties will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also have practical insights.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led projects or developed new testing methodologies. Highlighting your hands-on experience in materials testing and compliance with international standards will demonstrate your capability and confidence.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with Element Materials Technology's mission of making tomorrow safer than today. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with this vision, especially in terms of quality assurance and safety procedures.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and ongoing projects at the Hitchin site. This not only shows your interest in the position but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values and career goals.
