Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Roles in Manchester

Tenmat Group is seeking graduates from Materials Science, Fire Engineering or other relevant Engineering backgrounds to join a structured development programme spanning technical, commercial and operational functions. The role is intended to develop Technical Specialists and future business leaders with a strong understanding of Tenmat Group’s passive fire protection materials and products, customers, manufacturing environment and markets.

Graduates will complete a series of planned rotations across the business, gaining practical experience in business development, technical sales and specification, research and development, fire testing, manufacturing and engineering support. At the end of the rotation programme, the successful candidate is expected to move into the area that best matches their strengths and interests and the needs of the business.

THIS IS AN ON-SITE ROLE OPPORTUNITY IN IRLAM, GREATER MANCHESTER, UK.

About Tenmat Group: Tenmat Group is a market leading, UK headquartered, internationally focused manufacturer of passive fire protection products and materials, developing and manufacturing high-performance products for safety-critical applications for the built environment.

Key Objectives:

• Develop a broad understanding of Tenmat Group’s businesses and range of passive fire protection materials and products.
• Develop a deeper understanding of how Tenmat Group’s products are used in applications and the importance of the fire test evidence behind each product and how it relates to the application in the built environment.
• Build the technical and commercial capability needed to support customers, internal stakeholders and new product development activity.
• Contribute meaningfully during each rotation through project work, analysis, reporting and day-to-day departmental support.
• Identify long-term career direction through exposure to a range of functions and responsibilities.

Rotation areas and typical responsibilities:

• Technical Specification and Business Development: Develop a good understanding of the requirements of the passive fire protection industry in the built environment, UK/EU/US construction regulations and legislation relevant to Tenmat Group products and their applications, and the competitive landscape within the passive fire protection industry.
• New Product Development: Assist with the development of new passive fire protection materials and solutions, plan and conduct laboratory or pilot-scale work, analyse results and produce technical reports.
• Fire Testing: Assist with the preparation and construction of fire test specimens, recording of product specimen information data collection and the interpretation of results.
• Manufacturing & Engineering Support: Assist with providing support to the engineering and manufacturing teams to improve safety, quality, efficiency and output.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree (2:1 or above) in Materials Science, Fire Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent qualification in a closely related science or engineering discipline.
• Strong technical focus and curiosity, with a willingness to work across both laboratory/manufacturing and customer-facing environments.
• Ability to analyse data, solve problems logically and communicate conclusions clearly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• IT literacy, including standard Microsoft Office applications; CAD, testing or data-analysis experience would be advantageous.
• A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to learn from colleagues across the business.

Personal attributes:

• Adaptable and positive, with the flexibility to thrive in different teams and work environments.
• Self-motivated, organised and keen to take ownership of tasks and projects.
• Commercially aware, with an interest in how technical decisions support customer outcomes and business performance.
• Collaborative, professional and confident in building relationships across departments.
• Focused on continuous improvement and personal development.

What the programme offers:

• Structured cross-functional development with exposure to multiple career pathways within Tenmat Group.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing business serving technically demanding and safety-critical applications.
• Mentoring and on-the-job learning from experienced technical, commercial and operational colleagues.
• The opportunity to secure a long-term role in the function that best fits the graduate and the business.