Materials and Processes Engineer in Portsmouth

Expleo is a trusted partner for end-to-end, integrated engineering, quality services and management consulting for digital transformation. We help businesses harness unrelenting technological change to successfully deliver innovations that will help them gain a competitive advantage and improve the everyday lives of people around the globe. As part of our continued development and growth within the Space domain, we are now seeking an experienced Metallurgist for an onsite opportunity with our client in Portsmouth UK. This role is focused on ensuring that materials and processes used in satellite production are capable of meeting all regulatory, contractual, and international quality standards in support of safe operation and certification. If you're an experienced Metallurgist looking to develop your career, this role represents an exciting opportunity to progress your development with one of the UK’s largest Aerospace design organisations.

Responsibilities

• Approve materials and processes for waveguide hardware through the Materials & Processes Control Board (MPCB) in accordance with project requirements for spacecraft programmes such as Eurostar Neo and OneSat.
• Review supplier materials and manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with Airbus and customer Materials & Processes (M&P) requirements.
• Manage materials and process qualifications through the Request for Approval (RFA) process and, where appropriate, internal qualification programmes.
• Generate and review Qualification Test Plans (QTPs), Qualification Test Reports (QTRs), and supporting technical documentation.
• Conduct inspections of waveguide hardware during manufacturing and assembly activities.
• Investigate, assess, and disposition material and process-related non-conformances, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Work collaboratively with Waveguide Engineering Specialists, Technical Authorities, Manufacturing teams, and Supply Chain Quality Managers to address technical challenges and support programme delivery.
• Manage material and process obsolescence issues, identifying and qualifying alternative materials, processes, and technologies as required.
• Provide metallurgical expertise across the Portsmouth and Stevenage sites, supporting additional spacecraft equipment including propulsion systems, antennas, and other critical hardware.
• Develop practical and innovative solutions to complex engineering and manufacturing challenges.
• Present technical recommendations, qualification outcomes, and engineering assessments to internal and external stakeholders.
• Deliver all activities in accordance with programme commitments for quality, cost, and schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Materials Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related discipline.
• Applications are invited from candidates who may hold HNC/HND in a relevant engineering discipline in concert with significant and demonstrable subject matter expertise in the system domain.

Essential skills

• Strong knowledge of metallic materials, surface treatments, and manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of metallurgical principles, failure mechanisms, and root cause analysis techniques.
• Ability to interpret engineering specifications, standards, and technical documentation.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical capability.
• Ability to manage multiple activities and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly and concisely.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality and compliance.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Knowledge of ECSS, ESA, Airbus, or equivalent aerospace Materials & Processes standards.
• Understanding of obsolescence management and materials substitution methodologies.
• Knowledge of RF hardware, waveguides, antennas, or spacecraft communication systems.
• Familiarity with non-conformance management systems and quality processes within highly regulated industries.

Experience

• Experience in a Materials & Processes, Metallurgy, or Materials Engineering role within aerospace, defence, space, or other high-reliability industries.
• Proven experience working with suppliers to review and approve materials and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience of qualification testing, documentation, and engineering sign-off activities.
• Experience investigating material and process-related non-conformances and implementing corrective actions.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and resolving technical challenges in a production environment.
• Experience managing complex technical issues across multiple stakeholders and programmes.
• Previous experience within satellite, spacecraft, or aerospace hardware development environments would be advantageous.
• Experience in materials and process qualification, verification, and approval activities.
• Experience of the Request for Approval (RFA) process and Materials & Processes Control Boards (MPCB).
• Experience supporting supplier development and qualification activities.
• Experience presenting technical findings to customers, suppliers, and formal review boards.

What do I need before I apply

This role may require security clearance and our offer of employment will be dependent on obtaining the appropriate level of clearance. The details of this requirement will be discussed at interview. If applying for this role, please do not make reference to or include in your application or CV details of any current or previously held security clearance.

Benefits

• Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges.
• We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects.
• Expleo Academy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses.
• Competitive company benefits.
• Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo.
• As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to:
• Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible.
• Communicating and promoting vacancies.
• Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job.
• Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required.
• Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. We treat everyone fairly and equitably across the organisation, including providing any additional support and adjustments needed for everyone to thrive.