At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovation in construction chemicals through hands-on R&D and product development.
- Company: Join a high-growth company revolutionising sustainable infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and 22+ days holiday with growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a mix of lab and fieldwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safer, sustainable infrastructure while collaborating across Europe.
- Qualifications: Relevant engineering degree and experience in industrial environments required.
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
Product Development Engineer (industrial/construction chemicals) in Cosham employer: Universal Business Team
Join a dynamic and innovative team at a leading specialist distributor in the construction chemicals sector, where your hands-on engineering skills will directly contribute to developing safer and more sustainable infrastructure solutions. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to engage in diverse projects across the UK and Europe, while enjoying a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Benefit from a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a flexible working environment that encourages professional development and real-world impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Engineer (industrial/construction chemicals) in Cosham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and meetups related to construction chemicals. It's all about making connections that could lead to job opportunities. Plus, you never know who might have the inside scoop on openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on skills! When you get the chance, demonstrate your practical experience with materials and machinery during interviews. Bring examples of past projects or even a portfolio to showcase your innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows you're genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure your application highlights your relevant experience in R&D and product development, and don’t forget to mention your flexibility for travel across the UK and Europe.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Engineer (industrial/construction chemicals) in Cosham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Innovation:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for hands-on engineering and innovation shine through. We want to see how you’ve tackled real-world challenges and contributed to product development in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in industrial or contracting environments, especially with construction chemicals. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in testing, prototyping, and client engagement.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing product development team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Business Team
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on the specific materials and technologies relevant to construction chemicals. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these materials, as well as any innovative applications you've worked on.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've tackled challenges in product development or testing. Highlight how you translated real-world feedback into improvements, as this aligns perfectly with what the company values.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your technical knowledge and experience. Review key concepts related to spray technologies and resin-based products, and be ready to explain your thought process during product demonstrations.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role requires travel and collaboration with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experiences working in dynamic environments. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with clients and internal teams to drive innovation.
