At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Materials Growth team to work on semiconductor and ferroelectric materials for innovative applications.
- Company: Leonardo, a global leader in aerospace, defence, and security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while developing your skills in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Degree or PhD in chemistry with relevant experience; a passion for science and engineering is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your impact
Working as part of the Materials Growth team, you will provide a hands‑on role in the growth, purification and characterisation of semiconductor and ferroelectric materials. These materials are used in a variety of different infra‑red sensing applications. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking to develop their engineering experience in the field of semiconductor materials growth. We are looking to complement the group’s diverse technical expertise with a specialist in Chemistry. This role would also involve advising on health and safety requirements and risk assessments across the site. We expect all engineers to be hands‑on and capable of performing the processes they are involved in. Initially the focus will be on elemental purification and bulk crystal growth. As experience develops you will become more involved in the preparation and assessment of epitaxial layers with semiconductor characterisation tools. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute towards process optimisation and improvement activities, should have a keen eye for detail and be able to apply practical problem‑solving skills to help meet production demand.
Key responsibilities
- Purification of elements used in growth process.
- Bulk crystal growth, including solution growth of ferroelectric single crystals.
- Characterisation of semiconductors and ferroelectrics.
- Operation and maintenance of a MOCVD reactor.
- Maintain safe working environment in labs and advise on other areas on site.
- Ensure process conforms to quality procedures.
What you’ll bring
- A degree or PhD in chemistry with relevant experience in functional/advanced materials.
- Several years relevant industrial/laboratory experience.
- Comfortable with working alone or in a small team, potentially including shift working.
- Safety conscious, working with hazardous substances.
- Experience of Microsoft Office based applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Genuine interest in science and engineering.
Desirable
- Experience of HAZOP reviews and other risk assessments.
- Computational fluid dynamics.
- Solution growth of crystals.
- Knowledge of MOCVD.
- Experience of elemental purification.
- Experience with semiconductor process or characterisation equipment.
This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexidays each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part‑time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in aerospace, defence, and security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know. Be part of something bigger - apply now!
Senior Materials Engineer in Southampton employer: Leonardo UK Ltd
At Leonardo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located in Southampton, our team enjoys generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources, all while contributing to cutting-edge advancements in aerospace and defence. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Materials Engineer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the semiconductor and materials engineering fields on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for materials engineering roles and practice your answers. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with purification processes and crystal growth. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the right fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for chemistry and materials engineering shine through. Talk about projects you’ve worked on and how they relate to the role. A genuine interest can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Leonardo. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Materials Engineer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in semiconductor materials and any hands-on roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Show Your Passion:In your cover letter, let us know why you're excited about this role and how your genuine interest in science and engineering drives you. We love candidates who are eager to learn and grow with us!
Be Specific About Skills:When detailing your skills, be specific about your experience with purification processes, crystal growth, and any characterisation tools you've used. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our team right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Leonardo.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of semiconductor and ferroelectric materials. Be ready to discuss their growth, purification, and characterisation processes. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also have a genuine passion for the field.
✨Safety First
Since the role involves advising on health and safety requirements, be prepared to talk about your experience with hazardous substances and risk assessments. Highlight any relevant HAZOP reviews you've been involved in, as this will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
This position requires a hands-on approach, so be ready to share specific examples of your practical problem-solving skills. Discuss any previous projects where you contributed to process optimisation or improvement activities, especially in a lab or industrial setting.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
The job may involve working alone or in small teams, so it's important to convey your adaptability. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others or worked independently, and emphasise your willingness to learn from your colleagues and contribute to the team's success.
