At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to test and develop innovative polymer composites.
- Company: Dynamic engineering organisation in the marine and defence sectors.
- Benefits: Hands-on role with clear progression and collaborative team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product strategies and sustainable solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science; experience with composites preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and influence in a forward-looking company.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An innovative engineering organisation operating within the marine and defence sectors is seeking a Composites Engineer to join its R&D team. This is a hands-on, technical role with exposure to testing, research, and collaboration with external partners. The role offers significant growth potential as the company continues to expand its in-house capabilities.
Role Overview
As a Composites Engineer, you will play a key role in advancing the company's materials science and processing capabilities, with a primary focus on polymer composites. Your work will be split approximately as follows:
- Testing (1/3): Hands-on operation, setup, and execution of materials and component tests
- Research (1/3): Supporting materials development projects and generating technical solutions to advance product performance
- Third-party liaison (1/3): Identifying and managing external test houses, suppliers, and research partners to complement in-house capabilities
You will have the opportunity to influence future product and manufacturing strategies, and develop into a subject matter expert, with a clear path for progression as the company continues to bring more activities in-house.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support composite materials testing, both in-house and in collaboration with external test facilities
- Conduct applied research on polymer composites to support new product development
- Identify and liaise with external test houses, suppliers, and research partners, ensuring successful third-party testing and research outcomes
- Operate, maintain, and optimise laboratory and test equipment
- Collaborate effectively within the team, contributing to planning, goal setting, and project delivery
- Communicate clearly with internal teams and external partners
- Undertake occasional domestic travel as required
Candidate Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
- Proven experience working with polymer composites
- Experience with metallurgy and ceramics is desirable but not essential
- Previous exposure to materials testing, research projects, or working with external partners is advantageous
- Hands-on experience with laboratory or test equipment is desirable; in-house training will be provided
- Strong organisational, teamwork, and communication skills
- Motivated, self-starting, and results-oriented approach
What’s on Offer
- A technically challenging, hands-on R&D role focused on composites
- Exposure to both in-house and third-party testing and research
- Opportunity to develop into a subject matter expert with a clear progression path
- Collaborative team environment within a forward-looking engineering company
- Chance to influence product and manufacturing strategies and contribute to sustainable, high-performance solutions
If you are interested, please apply!
Composites Engineer in Portsmouth employer: STR Group
Contact Detail:
STR Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Composites Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the marine and defence sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their focus on polymer composites and think of how your skills can contribute. We recommend practising common interview questions and even some technical ones related to materials science.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Bring examples of past projects or tests you've conducted with polymer composites. We want to see your practical skills in action, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes and learnings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Composites Engineer in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with polymer composites and any relevant projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about composites engineering and how you can contribute to our R&D team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since collaboration is key in this role, make sure to mention any experiences where you’ve worked effectively within a team. We’re looking for someone who can communicate well and contribute to project delivery.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at STR Group
✨Know Your Composites
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of polymer composites before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific materials you've worked with and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role is hands-on, be prepared to share examples of your previous work with laboratory or test equipment. Talk about any testing or research projects you've been involved in, and highlight your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key, especially when liaising with external partners. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate and ensure everyone is on the same page during projects.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company's R&D direction and their approach to materials science. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career goals.