At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovation in construction chemicals 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 fieldwork.
- 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 required.
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
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 Portsmouth employer: Universal Business Team
Join a dynamic and innovative team in Plymouth, where your hands-on engineering skills will directly contribute to developing sustainable construction solutions. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead projects, engage with clients across Europe, and collaborate with industry experts, all while enjoying a competitive salary and generous benefits package. Experience a vibrant work culture that values creativity and impact, making this an excellent place for engineers looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Engineer (industrial/construction chemicals) in Portsmouth
✨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. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on to highlight your problem-solving abilities.
✨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 reflects your passion for innovation and sustainability in the construction sector. Let's get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Engineer (industrial/construction chemicals) 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 our team.
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 ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these materials, as well as any innovative applications you've worked on. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous projects. Whether it's a technical issue or a client-facing problem, demonstrating your proactive approach to finding solutions will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Real-World Applications
Since this role involves practical testing and client demonstrations, think about how you can relate your past experiences to real-world applications. Be ready to discuss how you've translated feedback into product improvements or new solutions in your previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to product development and testing methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of prototyping and market research techniques, and be prepared to explain your thought process clearly and confidently.
