Industrial Composite Engineer in Bristol

Airbus is seeking a visionary Industrial Composite Technology Specialist in Filton to transform cutting‑edge research into the manufacturing reality of the Wing of Tomorrow. In this pivotal role, you will lead the development of CFRP materials and processes, bridging the gap between "blue‑sky" innovation and high‑rate production. You will steer strategic partnerships with academics and suppliers, build physical prototypes to prove process capabilities, and define the long‑term roadmap for our future aircraft. If you are a composite expert with a passion for pioneering sustainable aerospace, join us to build the next generation of flight.

Security Clearance: Eligibility to gain UK SC Security Clearance OR you will be subject to BPSS and Export Control checks (including a criminal record check).

Travel Required: Frequent travel across Europe and internationally.

Location: Filton, Bristol Site (60% of your working week must be office based).

Type: Full time.

What’s in it for you

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, annual profit share, contributory pension, share options, car leasing scheme, free onsite parking, various optional salary sacrifice benefits, shopping discounts and much more.
• Work / Life Balance: 35‑hour week, flexible working around core hours and Friday afternoons off, hybrid working, flexible working.
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan and unlimited access to 10,000+ E‑learning courses, internal mobility including international opportunities.
• Health & Wellbeing: Bupa health insurance (AP+) (including assisted fertility treatments and gender dysphoria & reassignment support), wellbeing benefits (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), discounted family health / dental insurance / eye tests, cycle‑to‑work scheme, on‑site canteen and coffee shop, lunchtime yoga / meditation.
• Family and Caregiving: Life assurance, enhanced pay for parental leave (23 weeks at 100% pay), adoption / shared parental / caregiving leave, purpose built maternity rooms on site.
• Inclusive Environment: Wellbeing room, Multi‑faith room, Employee Representative Groups (Gender, LGBTQ+, International, Generational, Disability, Social & Cultural Diversity, Neurodiversity).

Our world is changing. And so are we. From our commitment to zero‑carbon flight to cleaning up space, sustainability is at the heart of our purpose. So what's your next change?

How you will contribute to the team

• You will bridge the gap between "blue‑sky" research and the factory floor, ensuring new composite technologies are mature enough for high‑rate production.
• You will define and execute the industrial manufacturing strategy for next‑generation wing parts, setting the standard for future Airbus programs.
• You will act as the lead technical link between Airbus and external experts, directing the work of Tier 1 suppliers, PhD researchers, and world‑class academic institutions.
• You will move beyond theory by building physical prototypes and demonstrators, proving that new manufacturing methods are reliable, defect‑free, and industrially viable.
• You will scout emerging global trends and deploy digital solutions to create the long‑term strategy for how Airbus builds composite aircraft.

About you

• A degree in Engineering or an equivalent high‑level technical qualification is mandatory.
• Expert‑level knowledge of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer materials and their specific industrial fabrication processes.
• Proven technical ability to design composite parts that ensure defect‑free deposition and forming during high‑rate production.
• In-depth technical understanding of industrial tooling design, its lifecycle, and the specialized tooling supply chain landscape.
• Mandatory experience leading technical projects, including maturing R&T technologies and delivering physical demonstrators/prototypes.

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth with customised development solutions.

How we can support you

Many of our staff work flexibly in many different ways, including part‑time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your request. Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments for the selection process – you can share this with your Talent Acquisition Partner if you are invited to interview. Examples may include (but not exclusive to) accessible facilities; auxiliary aids; room layout, etc. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

As a Disability Confident Employer, Airbus UK will offer an interview to any applicant that considers themselves to have a disability or long‑term condition under the Equality Act 2010 and meets the minimum criteria of the role (as set out in the job advert). To ‘opt in’, just select the option during your application submission and your application will be considered accordingly.

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to emsom@airbus.com.

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.