At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative NDT projects and develop cutting-edge inspection techniques.
- Company: Join a leading R&D facility with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering by solving complex problems with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in NDT of composites and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46355 - 70929 € per year.
Location: Hybrid working from Bristol (2/3 days on site)
Salary: £46,355 to £70,929 dependent on experience + Benefits
NCC helps businesses of all sizes bridge the gap between cutting‑edge innovation and industrial application, turning ideas into impact across the entire product lifecycle. We are looking to recruit a specialist Advanced or Principal Research Engineer to join the team later in the year.
Here at the NCC we have a first‑rate NDT & Metrology capability comprising experienced personnel, top of the range equipment and an excellent knowledge base. Measurement and inspection is integral to the quality assurance of composite parts and processes. Almost every engineering challenge we take on at the NCC will require some level of measurement or inspection.
As part of our Materials Engineering capability, the NDT team contribute to the advancement of state‑of‑the‑art inspection methods, enabling our partners to design, manufacture, and validate high‑performance composite structures with confidence.
What you’ll be doing
- Providing technical leadership on R&D and industrial development projects involving NDT technologies
- Leading the design, development, and validation of innovative inspection techniques
- Supporting the delivery of high-quality technical outputs to industry partners
- Contributing to project planning, technical strategy, and risk management
- Collaborating with engineers, researchers, and external stakeholders across sectors
- Supporting the continuous development of NDT capability within the organisation
- Mentoring junior engineers and contributing to knowledge sharing within the team
- 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
- You have experience working in NDT of composites and have knowledge of different methods used and the associated capabilities and limitations
- Preferably you will hold industrially recognised qualifications in Ultrasonic Testing, Radiographic Testing or Thermography (EN4179 or ISO9712)
- Demonstrated experience in R&D or industry, providing technical leadership on development projects
- Evidence of delivering innovative technical solutions within engineering or research environments
- Industrial focus – proven experience in a practical setting, solving real‑world problems with real‑world solutions
- A basic working knowledge of composite materials, including: composite manufacturing processes and typical failure mechanisms in composite structures
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related discipline
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. 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 23:59 Tuesday 19th May 2026
Principal Research Engineer NDT in Bristol employer: NCC – Innovating for Industry
At NCC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic hybrid working environment in Bristol that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee wellbeing, continuous learning, and professional development is complemented by competitive benefits, including private medical insurance and a generous pension contribution. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to advancing NDT technologies while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Contact Detail:
NCC – Innovating for Industry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Research Engineer NDT in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Research Engineer gig.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with NDT technologies and how you've tackled real-world problems. Let them see the innovative solutions you've delivered.
✨Ask Questions
During interviews or networking chats, ask insightful questions about their projects and challenges. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you understand how you can contribute to their team at NCC.
✨Apply Through Our Website
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 the NCC team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Research Engineer NDT 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 in NDT and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about NDT and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and make it personal – we love hearing your story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical qualifications, especially in Ultrasonic Testing or Radiographic Testing. We’re keen on seeing how your expertise can help us advance our inspection methods.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at NCC – Innovating for Industry
✨Know Your NDT Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of non-destructive testing methods, especially those relevant to composites. Be ready to discuss the capabilities and limitations of techniques like Ultrasonic Testing and Radiographic Testing, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've tackled real-world engineering challenges. Highlight how you provided innovative solutions and led projects, as this aligns perfectly with what the company is looking for in a Principal Research Engineer.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present your ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences, so being able to adapt your communication style is key. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with NCC's mission and recent projects. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for their work in advancing inspection methods and how you can contribute to their goals. Showing that you align with their vision will make a strong impression.
