Principal Materials Engineer

MBDA is a leading defence organisation.  We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

Salary: Depending on experience 

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus of up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension of maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Paid overtime/travel time
• Up to 15 additional days flexi leave
• Our enhanced parental leave offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
• Fantastic site facilities, including subsidised meals, free car parking
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• We may be able to offer a relocation package for this role

Dynamic (hybrid) working: We trust our people to agree, within their teams, where and when they can be most effective. Our Dynamic Working policy allows individuals flexibility around the hours they work and where they work. Typically for this role you will work 4 days on-site.  

The opportunity:

A rare opportunity has arisen for a Principal Materials Engineer with drive and enthusiasm to join Europe's number one missile systems provider, helping guarantee the quality and safety of our current and next generation weapons.

Working within our state of the art Materials Laboratory you'll provide complex practical support or solutions around laboratory analysis to support production for both National and International projects. You will feel as if you are making a tangible impact to real life problems.

This technical practical role will put you at the forefront of Materials Technology and will offer a breadth of development in surrounding fields. There will also be opportunities for National and International travel supporting both customers and suppliers.

Whilst this role is role is aimed at experienced candidates, less experienced candidates will be considered for this role on a development basis.

What we're looking for from you:

• Previous practical experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Demonstrable experience in sample preparation and microscope analysis of metallic and non-metallic materials.
• Specialist analytical techniques, e.g. SEM/EDX, FTIR & XRF.
• Demonstrable experience in undertaking the testing of materials.
• Fundamental understanding of painting and surface treatment of materials.
• Experience in testing of adhesives and bonding techniques.
• Understanding of REACh, environmental and Health and Safety legislation.

• Equivalent of Bachelor Degree or HND in Materials Science/Chemistry preferable, however significant materials laboratory experience is an alternative.
• Good understanding of Materials and their Processes including how materials react to various environments and how to assess their performance.
• Familiarity with engineering drawings, specifications and their interpretation.
• Quality management and auditing external suppliers e.g. AS9100 based auditing or NADCAP.

Our Business:

We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential.   MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity and more…

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We also welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), Twitter (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (lifeatMBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.  

Please Note: MBDA UK Limited requires all employees to achieve the required medical and national security clearance for their role. Further restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may also apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Due to the nature of our business, this particular vacancy requires the applicant as a minimum to be a British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship and capable of achieving the clearance levels mentioned above.