Materials Scientist

BAE Systems; Glascoed; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense and aerospace company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Materials Scientist to lead and deliver projects by applying materials science methods. The successful candidate will collaborate with engineers and universities to develop innovative materials and coatings. This role requires recognized qualifications in material science and the ability to communicate effectively across multiple teams. A competitive salary of up to £43,649 is offered, along with flexible benefits and a focus on inclusivity.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share plans

Health and wellbeing benefits

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• A recognised material science qualification, preferably to degree level.
• An understanding of National and International Standards.
• Experience writing risk assessments and reports.

Responsibilities

• Leading and delivering projects in a timely manner.
• Applying materials science to identify failures.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to develop new materials.

Skills

Material science qualification

Knowledge of chemistry concerning paints and coatings

Experience in writing risk assessments

Good communication skills

Problem solving

Education

HND/HNC in Material Science or Chemistry

Job description

Job Description - Materials Scientist (00131016)

Materials Scientist - 00131016

Job Title: Materials Scientist

Salary: up to £43649 depending on skills and experience

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading and delivering projects in a timely manner
• Applying materials science to identify the root cause(s) of failures
• Collaborating with various stakeholders such as internal engineers, supply chains and universities to develop new materials and coatings to future proof products
• Prepare technical documentation, project plans, risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures
• Preparing and testing materials and subsequently analysing the data produced from test results
• Advising engineering teams on testing protocols

Your skills and experiences:

• A recognised material science qualification, preferably to degree level, but minimum HND/HNC, with a good knowledge of chemistry pertinent solvent and water-based paints and coatings. – Chemist. Material scientist
• An understanding of National and International Standards.
• Experience in writing risk assessments and reports
• Working with multiple teams , good communication, problem solving, SME

As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts - you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Material team:

The materials team is a small but influential and effective team, supporting numerous product teams across multiple sites to address and resolve their issues. The team advises the engineering and procurement community on the best way forward, offering solutions and finding new and alternative materials.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc .) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role , to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 2nd January 2026

Due to the festive season, there may be a delay in the processing of your application. Your application is important to us, and we will respond as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role . Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.