At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative R&D programmes in advanced composite materials for defence and aerospace.
- Company: Join NCC, a leader in innovation for industry with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-performance sectors while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Materials Science or related field; experience in R&D and project leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 46355 - 58038 £ per year.
Location: Bristol, UK
Salary: £46,355 - £58,038 DOE + Benefits
Security Clearance: Eligibility for UK Security Clearance required
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
About the Role
NCC is seeking a forward-thinking Advanced Research Engineer to lead high‑impact innovation in advanced composite materials. This role is ideal for a technically strong engineer with a deep foundation in materials science and engineering, manufacturing experience of relevance, and a passion for translating research into industrial solutions.
You’ll be instrumental in shaping the future of composite technologies for sectors, primarily defence (air/land/sea/space) but also aerospace and other high‑performance engineering sectors. We’re looking for someone who can drive materials innovation and lead multidisciplinary programmes with confidence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver complex R&D programmes focused on advanced composite materials, manufacturing processes, and structural performance.
- Apply materials science expertise to develop novel fibre architectures, resin systems, and multifunctional composites.
- Collaborate with industry partners, government stakeholders, and academia to accelerate technology readiness and industrial adoption.
- Contribute to defence‑related innovation, ensuring alignment with UK strategic priorities and secure technology development.
- Mentor junior engineers and researchers, fostering technical excellence and collaborative growth.
- Prepare technical documentation, proposals, and publications to support knowledge dissemination and future funding.
- Uphold security protocols and contribute to NCC’s defence and national security strategy.
What we are looking for
- Degree, MSc or PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or a related discipline.
- Strong understanding of composite materials, their design, processing, and performance characteristics.
- Proven track record of leading R&D projects and delivering tangible outcomes.
- Experience working in industry, preferably within defence, aerospace, or high‑performance sectors.
- UK National with eligibility to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC).
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and project leadership skills.
Desirable but Non‑essential Attributes
- 3D textile technologies such as weaving, braiding, or embroidery for composite applications.
- Advanced materials, coatings, CVD, CVI, meta‑surfaces or meta‑materials.
- High temperature materials including ceramic composites and thermal protection systems.
- Destructive and non‑destructive materials testing.
- Experience working across industry and with government bodies.
- Knowledge of digital design tools, simulation software, and automated manufacturing systems.
- Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
- Awareness of sustainability and circularity in composite materials.
What we offer
Hybrid and flexible working as standard, annual salary reviews, company‑paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 11th November 2025. The role may close early depending on the quality and volume of candidates.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply. All hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion or other protected characteristics. Flexible working arrangements are available. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered.
Advanced Research Engineer – Defence, Advanced Materials & Composites in Bristol employer: NCC – Innovating for Industry
At NCC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of advanced materials for defence and aerospace. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities, annual salary reviews, and a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to cutting-edge research and development. With benefits like hybrid working arrangements and comprehensive health coverage, NCC stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
Contact Details:
NCC – Innovating for Industry Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Research Engineer – Defence, Advanced Materials & Composites in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the defence and advanced materials sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. It’s all about making connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects related to composite materials and R&D. Whether it’s a website or a PDF, make sure it highlights your achievements and expertise. This can really set you apart when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its recent projects in defence and aerospace. Be ready to discuss how your background in materials science aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and have some insightful questions of your own to ask.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role you’re after.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Research Engineer – Defence, Advanced Materials & Composites in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with advanced composite materials and R&D projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about defence and advanced materials. We love seeing enthusiasm, so let us know what excites you about this field and how you can contribute.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since collaboration is key in this role, make sure to mention any experience working with industry partners or academia. We’re looking for team players who can lead and mentor, so share examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow our process.
How to prepare for a job interview at NCC – Innovating for Industry
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of advanced composite materials and their applications in defence and aerospace. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving novel fibre architectures or multifunctional composites.
✨Showcase Your R&D Experience
Prepare to highlight your experience leading R&D programmes. Think of examples where you delivered tangible outcomes and how you collaborated with industry partners or academia. This will demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and align with strategic priorities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, practice articulating how you’ve successfully engaged with different parties in past projects. Be prepared to discuss your communication strategies and how you fostered relationships to achieve project goals.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a mentor to junior engineers, it’s crucial to show your leadership capabilities. Think of instances where you guided others or contributed to their growth. Highlighting your mentoring experiences will showcase your commitment to technical excellence and collaborative growth.
