Role
We are expanding our wider team to support the business in bringing materials solutions for fusion, nuclear and security applications. The Materials and Manufacturing Development Lead will lead and develop Oxford Sigma’s capability in materials processing, manufacturing development, scale-up and product-related engineering.
The role is responsible for translating materials innovation into practical, repeatable and commercially viable products, components and manufacturing solutions. This includes developing processing routes, manufacturing methods, product forms and production approaches that support both current project delivery and future product sales.
The Business Area Lead will provide technical direction and manage the area’s people, resources and capability. They will also oversee the Materials Development Laboratory, contribute directly to technical delivery and work across engineering and commercial teams to develop customer opportunities and align the area’s priorities with Oxford Sigma’s strategy.
This role will be based across both our Summertown Office and our lab facility in Culham.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Products and Processing Business Area (title would be Products and Processing Business Area Lead)
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Provide leadership, direction and management of the Products and Processing Business Area, ensuring alignment with Oxford Sigma's strategic objectives, customer needs and market opportunities.
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Develop and maintain technical capability in materials processing, manufacturing development, scale-up and product-related engineering.
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Lead by example and promote behaviours aligned with Oxford Sigma's values.
Manage People, Resources and Facilities
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Act as Line Manager and Resource Manager for the Products and Processing team, supporting recruitment, professional development and performance.
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Oversee the effective operation and development of the Materials Development Laboratory.
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Prioritise and allocate work to balance resource availability, customer value and delivery commitments.
Drive Technical Excellence and Product Development
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Provide technical leadership in materials processing, manufacturing methods and product development.
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Ensure products, components and manufacturing approaches are technically robust, repeatable, scalable and commercially viable.
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Contribute directly to technical delivery through project leadership, technical governance and specialist engineering support where required.
Support Business Growth and Opportunity Development
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Develop and mature new opportunities by translating customer requirements and market needs into technical solutions and value propositions.
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Support bid development and early-stage opportunity activities, working closely with commercial and engineering teams.
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Monitor industry developments and emerging technologies to inform capability growth and future business planning.
Enable Collaborative and Safe Delivery
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Work closely with engineering, commercial and operational teams to ensure effective project delivery and strategic alignment across the business.
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Establish effective ways of working within the business area and across the wider organisation.
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Ensure environmental, health, safety and quality requirements are considered throughout development, manufacturing and delivery activities.
Qualifications & Experience
Ideally, you will have some of these:
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Degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
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Significant experience in materials processing, manufacturing development, product development, or technology maturation.
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Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing and process engineering principles.
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Experience leading technical teams, projects or engineering capability development.
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Experience developing products, processes or technologies from concept through to scalable and repeatable delivery.
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Experience managing engineering facilities, laboratories, manufacturers or technical subcontractors.
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Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work across technical, commercial and operational teams
In addition, these would also be desirable:
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Chartered Engineer status (or working towards chartership).
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Experience in advanced materials, fusion, nuclear, defence or other highly regulated industries.
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Experience commercialising research, technology or engineering innovations.
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Experience in both research/development and industrial/manufacturing environments.
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Experience leading bids, proposals or new business opportunities.
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Experience mentoring, supervising or developing early-career engineers and technicians
Eligibility
The candidate must have the right to work in the UK.
Our benefits
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28 days annual leave pro-rata
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Flexible working around core hours
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Company pension scheme
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Cycle to work scheme
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Enhanced parental pay
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Inclusion in the Business Health Scheme
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Assist and support chartership progression with the appropriate body.
Additional Information
Underrepresented people are less likely to apply for roles if they do not meet 100% of the job requirements. We are actively seeking these kinds of applicants and believe in hiring people not checklists. If you are interested but unsure if your experience aligns, please get in touch with the team at careers@oxfordsigma.com to discuss if this role or others we are developing may match you as a person.
Apply
We’d love to understand more about you, and why you want to get involved in fusion.
Submit your CV and covering letter (both in PDF format) here
Applications will be reviewed weekly, until the position is filled, or until 09:00 12th October 2026 – whichever comes first.
