At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovation in construction chemicals and resins through hands-on testing and prototyping.
- Company: Leading specialist distributor focused on sustainable infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and opportunities for travel across the UK and Europe.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent growth potential and exposure to cutting-edge projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safer, sustainable infrastructure while collaborating with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering degree and experience in industrial environments.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Product Development Engineer - Construction Chemicals/Resins
Location: Plymouth (with UK & European travel)
Hours: 08:00am-5:00pm (Monday to Friday) but the role requires flexibility to meet business needs
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 (DOE) + bonus (up to 15%)
Holidays: 22 days + bank holidays (increasing on length of service)
Are you an engineer who loves getting hands-on with materials, machines and real-world applications? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where innovation, testing and customer impact sit at the heart of what you do?
If this sounds like you, a leading specialist distributor and innovation partner within the highways and infrastructure sector is looking for an R&D Engineer to join its growing product development team.
About The Company
This is a respected, high-growth business operating across the UK, Ireland and Europe, known for challenging traditional, carbon‑intensive methods with safer, more sustainable alternatives. Innovation is central to everything they do, from collaborating with manufacturers and universities to supporting contractors directly on site. Their in‑house R&D engineering team plays a pivotal role in shaping next‑generation materials, machines and application methods.
What's the role about?
This is a genuinely hands-on R&D and product development role, not an administrative desk job. You'll work across multiple live and in‑development projects, owning testing, prototyping and technical support while collaborating with clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
You can expect to be:
- Driving innovation across materials, spray technologies and specialist equipment
- Supporting clients through training, demonstrations and on-site testing
- Translating real-world feedback into product improvements and new solutions
- Working flexibly, including travel across the UK and Europe
Key Responsibilities:
- Run product demonstrations and technical presentations linked to product development
- Train clients on correct application of materials and specialist spray machinery
- Attend and support on-site testing and trials
- Carry out practical testing and prototyping of new products
- Report on test results and create technical documentation
- Conduct market research and competitive product analysis
- Source potential product solutions and development partners
- Collaborate with laboratories and universities on development projects
Requirements
You'll be someone who brings:
- A relevant degree (or postgraduate/technical engineering qualification)
- Experience in industrial or contracting environments with stakeholder-facing projects (Construction Chemicals, Road and Reinstatement products, Resin based construction products)
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- A driven, energetic and proactive approach
- The ability to travel freely across the UK and Europe (full UK right to work required)
- European language skills (highly advantageous, but not essential)
Benefits
What's in it for you?
- Impact: Be at the forefront of developing safer, more sustainable infrastructure solutions
- Variety: A mix of lab work, field testing, client engagement and European collaboration
- Growth: Join a growing R&D function with scope to develop leadership and project ownership
- Reward: £45,000- £50,000 base salary plus bonus
- Exposure: Work closely with manufacturers, universities and industry specialists
R&D Engineer – Construction Chemicals & Resins (UK/Europe) in Portsmouth employer: UBT
Join a leading specialist distributor and innovation partner in the highways and infrastructure sector, where your hands-on engineering skills will directly contribute to developing safer, sustainable solutions. With a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration, you'll have the opportunity to engage with clients and industry experts across the UK and Europe, while enjoying competitive benefits including a generous salary, bonus potential, and ample growth opportunities within a high-growth business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Engineer – Construction Chemicals & Resins (UK/Europe) in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and meetups related to construction chemicals and resins. It's a great way to meet potential employers and learn about job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on skills! When you get the chance to interview, bring examples of your work or even a portfolio showcasing your projects. This will help you stand out as someone who thrives in practical environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! If you find a role that excites you, reach out to the company directly through our website. A personal touch can make a big difference and shows your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of materials, testing methods, and product development processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will impress your interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Engineer – Construction Chemicals & Resins (UK/Europe) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Innovation:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for hands-on engineering and innovation. Share specific examples of projects where you've driven change or developed new solutions, especially in construction chemicals or related fields.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our focus on sustainable alternatives and real-world applications.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the R&D Engineer role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UBT
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and innovations in construction chemicals and resins. Be ready to discuss specific materials you've worked with and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios. This shows your hands-on experience and passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles, especially those related to product development or testing. Highlight how you approached these problems and the innovative solutions you implemented. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to think on your feet.
✨Engage with Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to product testing, prototyping, and client training. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, prepare to talk about your experience collaborating with clients, suppliers, and internal teams. Emphasise your communication skills and how you've successfully navigated stakeholder relationships in the past.