At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead materials and processes for high-performance aerospace components in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Safran Electronics & Defense, a global leader in aerospace and defence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and flexible leave options.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and structured training for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace innovation while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering with aerospace experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
You'll join the Safran Aerospace Composite Centre of Excellence in Banbury as a Senior Materials & Process Engineer, taking a technical lead role across materials and manufacturing processes for high-performance aerospace components.
As a subject matter expert, you'll be responsible for developing, validating and optimising materials and processes to ensure robust production readiness, continuous improvement and compliance. Working closely with Design, Quality, Operations and Supply Chain, you'll support both new product introduction (NPI) and the ongoing improvement of legacy programmes.
What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
- Act as the technical authority for materials and processes across the site
- Lead materials and process selection for NPI activities, working with suppliers and engineering leadership
- Develop and maintain composite and metallic process specifications
- Define and execute material characterisation, qualification and validation testing
- Drive site materials and process strategy, including inspection and process validation methods
- Support NPI activity from prototype through to production handover
- Provide technical problem-solving support on-site and with suppliers, leading root cause analysis and corrective actions
- Support D/PFMEAs, control plans and process capability studies
- Ensure compliance with quality management systems and support customer, supplier and regulatory audits
- Maintain internal and external specifications and engineering documentation
- Ensure compliance with national and global legislation (including REACh)
- Identify and implement cost reduction and yield improvement opportunities
- Influence design-for-manufacture decisions through close collaboration with design engineering
- Mentor junior engineers and develop standard work
- Contribute to the wider Safran Actuation Materials & Processes community
What will you bring to the role?
Essential skills:
- Degree qualified in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, with strong experience in aerospace or automotive materials engineering
- In depth knowledge of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC), including materials, manufacturing processes and in service performance
- Proven ability to lead materials and process development within a production manufacturing environment
Desirable skills:
- Experience with composite prepregs, liquid resin composites and machining of fibre reinforced components
- Experience qualifying PMCs for aerospace applications
- Knowledge of metallic materials, heat treatment and surface treatments
- Familiarity with aerospace standards and regulations (AS9100, EASA, FAA)
- Experience in a senior or lead engineering role
- Chartered Engineer status (or working towards)
- Strong understanding of Six Sigma, SPC and structured problem solving techniques
What do we offer?
- Competitive salary
- Company performance bonus scheme
- Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution
- Private medical insurance
- Comprehensive health cash plan
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
- Structured training & opportunities to progress
Senior Materials & Process Engineer in Banbury employer: Safran companies
At Safran Electronics & Defense in Banbury, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Materials & Process Engineer, you'll benefit from competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and comprehensive health plans, alongside structured training and clear pathways for career progression. Join us to be part of a global leader in aerospace technology, where your expertise will contribute to a safer, more sustainable world while enjoying a supportive environment that values your growth and well-being.
