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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in ceramic matrix composites and drive technical solutions.
- Company: Join a world-leading authority in composite materials research and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge sectors like aerospace and defence while fostering innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience with ceramic materials and composites, plus a background in chemistry.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry leaders and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 46355 - 70929 £ per year.
Salary range: £46,355 - £70,929 depending on experience + benefits
Location: Bristol based with Hybrid working – 2 days on site, 3 days home
NCC is a world‑leading authority on composite materials research, development, and manufacturing. We work with global leaders across industries such as aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and defence to develop cutting‑edge composite solutions. As part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the NCC is at the forefront of innovation, helping businesses turn ideas into reality.
What you’ll be doing
- Providing technical specialist authority and guidance on projects and technical capability both tactically and strategically.
- Revising, formulating and creating the roadmap for novel and innovative approaches and pioneer technical solutions.
- Fostering innovation across the team, working in an inter‑disciplinary way.
- Creating and revising technical documents and advocating for publishing technical content.
- Establishing and developing effective partnerships internally and externally with industry partners.
- Representing NCC in relevant technical forums and championing our technical strategy.
What we’re looking for
- Ceramics – Experience working with ceramic materials and knowledge of their properties, benefits and limitations.
- Composites – Understanding of the raw materials, constituent parts and operational characteristics of the various types of CMCs (Ox‑Ox, Sic‑SiC, C‑SiC and C‑C etc). Experience in the various manufacturing routes.
- Fundamental understanding of UHTCMC processing and thermo‑ablative characterisation.
- Educational background in chemistry with experience of processes such as chemical vapour deposition or infiltration.
- Strong knowledge of the challenges faced in novel applications of CMCs and a passion for delivering new technology.
- Industrial focus – Proven experience in R&D within industry, solving real‑world problems with real‑world solutions.
- Novel sectors – Knowledge and experience of working within a relevant sector where materials must withstand harsh environments (radiation degradation, high temperatures, space environment).
What do we offer in return?
- 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.
- 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. We see your future in ours. Apply through our careers website.
Closing date for applications Sunday 8th March 2026.
Principal Research Engineer - Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) in Bristol employer: NCC – Innovating for Industry
Contact Detail:
NCC – Innovating for Industry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Research Engineer - Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with ceramic materials and CMCs. We want to see how you’ve tackled real-world problems, so share those success stories and innovative solutions you've come up with!
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of UHTCMC processing and thermo-ablative characterisation. We know that interviews can be nerve-wracking, but being well-prepared will help you shine. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms – it shows you really understand your stuff!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our careers website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at NCC. Let’s make some cutting-edge innovations together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Research Engineer - Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Research Engineer role. Highlight your experience with ceramic materials and CMCs, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or innovations you've been part of!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about CMCs and how your background in chemistry makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills and knowledge of UHTCMC processing and thermo-ablative characterisation. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative projects!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our careers website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at NCC.
How to prepare for a job interview at NCC – Innovating for Industry
✨Know Your Ceramics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ceramic materials and their properties. Be ready to discuss how these materials can be applied in real-world scenarios, especially in harsh environments like aerospace or defence.
✨Showcase Your R&D Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past roles where you've tackled real-world problems using CMCs. Highlight any innovative solutions you've developed and how they contributed to project success.
✨Foster a Collaborative Mindset
Since the role involves working inter-disciplinarily, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to collaborate with different teams. Be ready to discuss how you've built effective partnerships in previous projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to engage in technical discussions about UHTCMC processing and thermo-ablative characterisation. Brush up on these topics and be prepared to explain complex concepts clearly and confidently.