Mechanical Test Engineer/Sr Scientist

Smart4Chemical; Wales; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in polymer and materials manufacturing in the UK is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer/Sr Scientist to support product qualifications and development in the aerospace sector. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in advanced materials, preferably with a PhD in Polymer or Materials Science, and strong leadership skills. This role involves hands-on test method development and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in advanced materials.
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of composites and relevant test methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve mechanical and analytical test methods.
• Conduct root cause analysis and troubleshoot test failures.
• Support customer test requests and generate technical reports.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

PhD in Polymer or Materials Science

Degree in Science, Engineering, or Technology

Tools

Six Sigma

Lean

Job description

Mechanical Test Engineer/Sr Scientist

Smart4Chemicals are recruiting for a leader in polymer and materials manufacturing for a Mechanical Test Engineer/Sr Scientist. As part of their growing Materials and Testing Laboratory in Wrexham, they are looking for a Mechanical Test Engineer to support product qualifications, development, and problem resolution for the aerospace sector.

This role offers hands-on involvement in test method development, continuous improvement, and expansion of testing capabilities across mechanical, physical, and NDI techniques.

To be considered for this role you will be degree educated in Materials Science, Chemistry or Mechanical Engineering (ideally PhD educated), with previous industrial experience of developing analytical, physical and mechanical testing methods of polymers, composites or materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve mechanical and analytical test methods
• Lead method development and continuous improvement initiatives
• Deliver and enhance internal training programmes
• Lead the development and analytical laboratory when required
• Support customer test requests and generate detailed technical reports
• Conduct root cause analysis and troubleshoot test failures
• Drive reporting improvements and standardisation
• Expand testing capabilities and gain key accreditations
• Collaborate across the global network and with external partners

Key Requirements

• Degree educated in Science, Engineering, or Technology (PhD in Polymer or Materials Science preferred)
• 5+ years' experience in a technical role within advanced materials
• 2+ years' leadership or supervisory experience (preferred)
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean, and Continuous Improvement tools
• Strong knowledge of composites, resin systems, fibre types, and relevant test methods
• Confident communicator with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
• Able to manage multiple priorities and work independently