At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative hydrogen projects and ensure pipeline integrity for a sustainable energy future.
- Company: Join National Gas, the backbone of Britain's energy network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's transition to clean energy and decarbonisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in materials engineering and knowledge of hydrogen systems preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
£56,000 - £65,000 + up to 6% Bonus
About Us
At National Gas, the work we do matters. As Britain's national gas network, we help keep the lights on, businesses running, and homes warm by maintaining the critical infrastructure that transports gas across Great Britain. While providing the energy security Britain relies on today, we're also helping transform the network for a clean energy future. Join us and help secure Britain's energy.
About the Role
As part of our journey to a cleaner future, National Gas is investing in major hydrogen projects to help decarbonise the energy system. One key initiative is Project Union, which plans to convert up to 2,000 km of existing pipelines into a dedicated hydrogen network across the UK. We are also partnering on East Coast Hydrogen aiming to connect 11GW of hydrogen production by 2030 as well as supporting large scale storage and demand across the East Coast and Midlands. These projects will just be the start.
As a Materials Engineer you will provide technical expertise and assurance in the design, modification and integrity assessments of hydrogen gas transmission pipelines and installations. As part of the Design Authority, the role ensures compliance with legislation, industry standards and National Gas Specifications supporting safety, reliability and sustainability.
What You'll Do
- Provide engineering input to the technical authority for materials and corrosion matters in asset design, assessment and life extension projects.
- Develop the National Gas material specifications for hydrogen pipelines and above ground assets.
- Ensure National Gas specifications related to materials are up to date with the latest national and international specifications.
- Review and assure material compatibility and integrity assessments for re-purposing natural gas pipelines to hydrogen service including fracture toughness and fatigue assessments.
- Provide engineering input into the design of hydrogen pipelines and above ground plant and equipment and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Ensure material compliance with relevant codes e.g. IGEM/TD/1, ASME B31.12, API SPEC 5L.
- Conduct condition assessments of existing assets to determine fitness for service and agree remedial actions or mitigation strategies.
- Lead or support materials related technical studies and ensure outputs are aligned to business requirements.
- Support innovation and R&D, particularly in materials performance in hydrogen and decarbonisation contexts.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary engineering assessments, providing balanced risk-based recommendations aligned with business needs and safety standards.
- Review and assure design documentation associated with material engineering for example, pipeline material selection, wall thickness requirements, stress analysis.
- Contribute to Formal Process Safety Assessments in the area of Material Engineering.
Why this role matters
As a Materials Engineer, you will play a critical role in enabling the safe and reliable transition of the gas network to hydrogen. Acting as a technical authority for materials and corrosion, you will ensure the integrity, fitness-for-service and regulatory compliance of pipelines and above-ground assets. Through developing specifications, assessing material performance, supporting innovation, and providing expert assurance on hydrogen infrastructure projects, you will help National Gas deliver a safe, sustainable and resilient energy network while supporting the UK's decarbonisation ambitions.
About You
An experienced Materials Engineer with expertise in materials selection, life assessment, and managing material degradation risks. Provides technical justification for materials, welding procedures, and supplier approvals, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective engineering solutions across long-term net zero projects extending into the mid-2030s. A collaborative technical leader who works with multidisciplinary engineering teams, contractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders to resolve complex materials challenges. Experienced in presenting technical recommendations to senior leadership, leading specialist investigations, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement within the materials engineering discipline.
Essential
- Incorporated Engineer (or working towards) with a recognised professional body e.g. IOM3, IMechE.
- Understanding of metallurgy, welding, corrosion, coatings and degradation mechanisms under pressurised and high-temperature service.
- Knowledge of applicable industry codes e.g. ASME, BS EN, ISO and regulatory standards such as PSSR and PED.
- Experience in high pressure pipelines and/or plant in energy, oil & gas, utilities sectors or related industries.
- Familiarity with hydrogen and low carbon fuels, impact on materials is highly desirable.
- Experienced in writing clear technical documentation and presenting findings to varied audiences.
Desirable
- Degree qualified in mechanical engineering, pipeline engineering or a related discipline.
Security clearance
This role is subject to National Security Vetting (NSV). Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC) throughout their employment. For further information, visit www.gov.uk (UK Security Vetting: Clearance Levels).
Inclusive Recruitment
We're building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, championing diversity and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and beyond. National Gas is a Disability Confident employer and signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.
Materials Engineer, Hydrogen employer: National Gas
At National Gas, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a market-leading pension scheme and generous holiday allowance. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our professional development opportunities and inclusive work culture, where diversity is championed and every team member's contribution is valued. Located in St Fergus, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and compliance of Britain's energy infrastructure while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises wellbeing and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Engineer, Hydrogen
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Materials Engineer, Hydrogen role you’re after at National Gas.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at National Gas a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at National Gas.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Materials Engineer, Hydrogen at National Gas, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Engineer, Hydrogen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Materials Engineer, Hydrogen, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at National Gas a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to National Gas specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Gas
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with National Gas, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like National Gas want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
