At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead materials and processes for high-performance aerospace components and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Join the innovative Safran Aerospace Composite Centre of Excellence in Banbury.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and flexible benefits including private medical insurance.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace engineering while mentoring junior engineers and driving innovation.
- 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 will 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 will support both new product introduction (NPI) and the ongoing improvement of legacy programmes.
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
Qualifications
- 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
Benefits
- 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 with payment structure, paternity/non‑pregnant parent/co‑adopter leave)
- Structured training & opportunities to progress
Senior Materials & Process Engineer in Banbury employer: Safran
At Safran Aerospace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Banbury where innovation meets collaboration. As a Senior Materials & Process Engineer, you will benefit from a competitive salary, a robust pension scheme, and comprehensive health plans, all while enjoying a culture that fosters professional growth through structured training and mentorship opportunities. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in aerospace technology, where your contributions will directly impact the future of high-performance components.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Materials & Process Engineer in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the aerospace industry, especially those who work with materials and processes. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and achievements in materials engineering. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your technical authority in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to tackle technical questions or case studies during interviews. Brush up on your knowledge of Polymer Matrix Composites and be prepared to discuss how you've led materials development in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your experience with NPI activities and compliance with aerospace standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Materials & Process Engineer in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Materials & Process Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Polymer Matrix Composites and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about aerospace materials and processes. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in past roles, as this will resonate with us.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:As a subject matter expert, we expect you to demonstrate your technical knowledge. Include details about your experience with material characterisation and validation testing. This will help us see your fit for the technical authority role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Safran Aerospace.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran
✨Know Your Materials Inside Out
As a Senior Materials & Process Engineer, you need to be a subject matter expert. Brush up on your knowledge of Polymer Matrix Composites and other materials relevant to aerospace. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed or optimised materials in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've led root cause analysis or implemented corrective actions. Companies love candidates who can demonstrate structured problem-solving techniques, so have a few solid examples ready that highlight your experience with Six Sigma or SPC.
✨Understand the Compliance Landscape
Familiarise yourself with aerospace standards and regulations like AS9100, EASA, and FAA. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous projects and how you would approach this in your new role.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to talk about your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Highlight any mentoring you've done with junior engineers and how you’ve influenced design-for-manufacture decisions in the past.
