R&D Engineer Interiors (M/F) - Materials & Processes

Alstom; Valenciennes; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Alstom in Valenciennes Petite Forêt is seeking an experienced Materials R&D engineer to lead development of new materials and manufacturing processes for interior train components. You will manage projects from idea to validation, collaborating with suppliers and internal teams.

The role emphasizes innovation, design for weight reduction, circularity, and cost efficiency, with a focus on translating scientific insights into industrialized solutions.

Qualifications

• Engineering master/PhD in materials sciences, physics or mechanical design.
• 5+ years in materials R&D and/or new product development in industry.
• 3+ years in project management, preferably in an R&D context.
• Experience in railway, aeronautics, nautism or automotive is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Executes and manages research and product development projects from idea to validation.
• Analyzes market and competition for new materials and processes.
• Develops internal and external R&D partner networks for innovation.
• Suggests innovative solutions aligned with development strategy and customer needs.
• Ensures applicability of materials to commercial projects with cross-functional teams.
• Contributes to R&D budgeting and reporting to internal customers.
• Supports project execution and quality investigations in after-sales related to materials.

Skills

Autonomous

Project management

Innovative mindset

Fast prototyping

Communication skills

Team orientation

Cross-cultural experience

Education

Engineering Master/PhD in materials sciences/physics/mechanical design

Job description

Date: 15 Oct 2026

Company: Alstom

At Alstom, we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day, more than 80 000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.

You will join our Interiors Component Development Site and Product Family of Valenciennes Petite Forêt , a key actor in the design and development or interior train parts as well as front ends, with more than 180 people & 22 different nationalities, mechanical engineers & designers, buyers, industrial & quality engineers, project managers & product experts, working both for French & International projects.

What are my responsibilities?

Purpose of the Job/Objective

• You will join our Interiors R&D team responsible for developing & validating innovative & eco-friendly solutions, for all Alstom future trains (Tramways, Metros, Commuters, Regional & High Speed trains).
• In particular, you will be in charge of the identification, validation and integration into interiors products (linings, partitions, racks, seats, ducts, front-ends) of promising materials and/or manufacturing processes offering key benefits such as improved performances, reduced weight, higher circularity, higher manufacturing throughput and lower production cost, among others.
• Progressively, you will develop as internal expert for all materials related issues, supporting the entire Interiors organisation as well as our suppliers with technical & scientific expertise and vision, promoting innovation and proposing new investments to secure Alstom leading position as a provider of sustainable mobility solutions.

Organisation Reporting

• Reports to: R&D Director - Interiors

Network & Links

• External Interfaces : Suppliers, Customers, Independent laboratories, Research partners (research centers, academia, start-ups)

Performance Measurement

• KPI R&D Projects (OTIF, Design Review on time, budget adherence)
• KPI Innovation generation & exploitation (number inventions, use on commercial projects)
• Technical support to Tenders & Projects (quality, time)

Your responsibilities include:

• Executes and manages research and product development projects (internal + at suppliers) related to new materials and/or manufacturing processes, from the initial idea to the final validation, and the support/transfer for industrialization at our suppliers.
• Analyzes the market and competition (industrial watch, technological watch) in relation to new materials and manufacturing processes, and develops/maintains associated technology roadmaps
• Develops the network of internal and external R&D partners for innovation in relation to new materials & manufacturing processes (Tier1/2/3).
• Suggests innovative solutions in line with Alstom’s development strategy, and taking into account customer’s needs and requirements.
• Ensures applicability of the developed materials/products onto commercial projects through close collaboration with the Marketing, Tender & Project teams (Engineering, Costing, Sourcing, Quality, etc.)
• Contributes to internal budget collection for R&D activities and manages reporting to internal customers
• Supports commercial projects execution and quality investigations in after sales in relation to materials issues, with scientific and technical support, test methodologies, etc.

What do I need to qualify for this job?

• Engineering master/PhD background in material sciences, physics or mechanical design
• At least 5yrs experience in materials R&D and/or new product development, including part design and/or manufacturing, in either plastic, composite or metal, in an industrial, preferably international, environment. Technical and/or manufacturing knowledge of other materials such as foams, fabrics, plywood, laminates is a plus.
• At least 3 yrs experience in project management, preferably in an R&D context (external R&D partners, academia, etc.)
• Experience in railway, aeronautics, nautism or automotive is a plus

Skills

• Autonomous, results driven and team-oriented personality with strong relationship skills
• Superior project management skills. Ability to prioritize and to work effectively under pressure to meet the deadlines, and lead co-development projects with suppliers
• Strong passion for innovation and questioning the status quo, and perceiving (upcoming) market needs
• Fast prototyper, likes to experiment in order to quickly show/test new concepts & solutions
• Strong written and spoken communication skills
• Ability to work in an international environment; Speak and write in English; French is a bonus.

Travels :

Travels: internal meetings, suppliers and R&D partners visits. <15% of the time

You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family, you’ll be proud. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!

Important to note

As a global business, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates diversity across the 63 countries we operate in. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone.