At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead materials and processes for high-performance aerospace components in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace technology with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, attractive bonuses, and excellent work-life balance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while developing your engineering expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering with aerospace experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Due to an exciting period of growth, we are looking for a Materials & Process Engineer to join our Composite Centre of Excellence in Banbury. In this role, you'll become a technical lead across materials and manufacturing processes for high-performance aerospace components. If you are an ambitious engineer who already holds a couple of years industry experience and are looking for your next development opportunity, we'd encourage you to apply.
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets. Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking. Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors.
You'll be someone already on their journey to becoming a subject matter expert, and we'll give you responsibility 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. Not only do we offer a competitive salary, an attractive bonus and excellent work-life balance but the support and guidance of our highly skilled and friendly team of engineers.
Responsibilities- 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
- 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
- Ability to lead materials and process development within a production manufacturing environment
- 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
We understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone. We know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.
Materials & Process Engineer in Banbury employer: Safran
At Safran Actuation Systems UK in Banbury, we prioritise our employees' well-being with a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a family-friendly work culture. Our commitment to professional development, coupled with a collaborative environment, empowers you to innovate and grow within the aerospace sector, making a meaningful impact on cutting-edge technologies. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values excellence and fosters continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials & Process Engineer in Banbury
✨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 Safran for a Materials & Process Engineer. 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 & Process Engineer in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran, 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 Safran, 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 Safran
✨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 Safran.
✨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 Safran. 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 Safran love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
