At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative materials for aviation, from design to manufacturing.
- Company: Join MAKO, a pioneering tech company focused on sustainable aviation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming the aviation industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in reducing aviation's carbon footprint with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; 3+ years in materials engineering.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
MAKO’s mission is to improve the efficiency of the global aviation fleet, saving billions in fuel and megatonnes of CO2 every year. We are looking for a polymers focused Materials Engineer to join MAKO and help develop our drag reducing ‘shark skin’ through the full engineering lifecycle - from specification setting through to manufacturing handover. You will report to the Head of Product Engineering and work closely with the Product, Certification, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to develop a commercial aviation product that is robust, manufacturable, and built to last.
What You Will Do
- Develop the novel material formulations that make up our products - taking them through the full engineering lifecycle, from specification setting and design for performance through to validation assessment and manufacturing handover.
- Set verification criteria, conduct quantitative risk analysis (DFMEA), and define tolerances to ensure products meet performance, durability, and regulatory requirements.
- Plan and execute experiments using structured methodologies - including Design of Experiment concepts and 8D problem solving - and perform appropriate statistical analysis of results, including analysis of variance and statistical significance assessment.
- Engage with, and qualify, suppliers to reduce supply chain risk and ensure alignment with MAKO’s quality management system processes and procedures.
- Monitor and communicate progress, escalate changes that affect timing, budget, or key milestones, and rapidly unblock technical issues to keep projects on track.
- Navigate complex, ambiguous, and dynamic situations with sound judgement and evidence-guided decision-making.
What Success Looks Like
- First Month: Develop a strong understanding of Flightfilm's material architecture, performance requirements, existing verification program, and certification context. Review existing design documentation, test plans, DFMEAs, and supplier qualification records. Build working relationships with Product Engineering, Certification, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.
- First Six Months: Demonstrate ownership of active materials engineering workstreams, including verification activities, supplier engagements, and design development tasks. Contribute meaningfully to design guides, tolerance setting, and design sensitivity analyses. Demonstrate structured, evidence-guided problem solving on live technical challenges.
- First Year: Lead end-to-end materials engineering developments that materially advance Flightfilm's certification readiness, manufacturing scalability, and product robustness. Work to, and contribute to the development of design guides and methodologies that are adopted across the team and reduce design cycle time. Be recognised internally as a reliable technical contributor who navigates ambiguity effectively and keeps programs moving. Have meaningfully uplifted the materials engineering capability of the broader team.
About You
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
- Thrive in a fast-moving, ambiguous, and constantly evolving startup environment.
- 3+ years of experience in materials or product engineering within a technically complex, regulated industry such as aviation, aerospace, automotive, or medical.
- Demonstrated experience taking a commercial-grade material product through a full development cycle, from specification setting through to testing and manufacturing handover.
- Hands-on experience with engineering products for harsh environment applications.
- Familiarity with agile product engineering methodologies and internationally recognised quality management systems (ISO 9001, AS9100).
- Strong quantitative skills, including statistical analysis of experimental results.
- Ability to navigate complex, ambiguous situations and make evidence-guided decisions with confidence.
Why You Should Join MAKO
- Impact: Aviation is one of the hardest to abate industries, and its share of global emissions is only growing. Join our mission to improve the efficiency of the global fleet and save millions of tonnes of CO2 every year.
- Technology: Our technology leverages the drag-reducing properties of shark skin to make aircraft more efficient. You'll be exposed to expertise and developments in materials, photolithography, fluid dynamics, and scale manufacturing.
- Team: Our team focuses on achieving our mission. We live our values of lift over drag, active transparency, and changing the boundary conditions, and we welcome new team members who want to do the same.
- Corporate Jet: We have (most of) a corporate jet. It won't fly, but it sure does look cool.
Bring your curiosity, your rigour, and your appetite for hard problems, and help us change the boundary conditions of what aviation can be.
Materials Engineer (Polymers) employer: PLP Group
MAKO is an exceptional employer for those passionate about engineering and sustainability, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the aviation industry's efficiency while working in a dynamic startup environment in Sydenham. With a strong focus on innovation, employee growth, and a collaborative team culture, MAKO provides its engineers with the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a real-world impact, alongside exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team that values transparency, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Engineer (Polymers)
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with PLP Group for a Materials Engineer (Polymers). This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Engineer (Polymers)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at PLP Group, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At PLP Group, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at PLP Group
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with PLP Group.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with PLP Group. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like PLP Group love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
