At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovation in materials and spray technologies through hands-on R&D and product development.
- Company: Join a 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 opportunities and a mix of lab and field work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safer, sustainable solutions while collaborating with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Experience with paint systems and a relevant degree in industrial paints or chemicals.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
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
You’ll be someone who brings:
- Proven experience working with paint systems, spray technologies or spraying equipment
- A relevant degree (or postgraduate qualification) in industrial paints, chemicals or similar is advantageous
- Experience in industrial or contracting environments with stakeholder-facing projects (automotive, chemicals, paints, aerospace, fire safety related 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)
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
Locations
R&D Engineer (industrial paints & chemicals) in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Universal Business Team
Join a dynamic and innovative team in Plymouth, where your hands-on expertise as an R&D Engineer will directly contribute to developing sustainable solutions for the highways and infrastructure sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have opportunities to lead projects and collaborate with industry experts, all while enjoying a supportive work culture that values flexibility and creativity. Benefit from a competitive salary, bonus potential, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth company committed to challenging traditional practices.
