Principal Material and Process Engineer, Composites

Safran; Nethercote; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense company is seeking a Materials and Process Specialist to lead the introduction of new composite materials. This role involves authoring specifications, conducting statistical analysis, and ensuring legislative compliance in a fast-paced engineering environment. Candidates should have a strong background in Polymer Matrix Composites and demonstrate excellent communication skills. Joining this innovative team offers the chance to significantly impact aerospace technologies and contribute to a sustainable future.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of Polymer Matrix Composites, including matrix types and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience in authoring materials and process specifications for aerospace applications.

Responsibilities

• Author material and processing specifications for composite processes.
• Perform statistical analysis of test results.
• Ensure compliance with national and global chemical legislation.

Skills

Knowledge of Polymer Matrix Composites

Experience authoring M&P specifications

Experience working with OEMs

Statistical analysis skills

Clear communication skills

Education

Degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering

Job description

You will be the lead Materials and Process (M&P) Specialist within a team developing new composite products and processing technologies. In particular, you will lead the introduction of a novel composite material system, produced using a high‑rate manufacturing process that is new to the aerospace sector. This is a pivotal role within our engineering team, offering the opportunity to work in a challenging, fast‑paced, and innovative environment.

What will your day‑to‑day responsibilities look like?

• Authoring material and processing specifications for resin, fibre, composite processes, inspection, and assembly.
• Specifying detailed test plans for physical, chemical, and mechanical property characterisation.
• Developing new coupon and element‑level test methods to address gaps in ASTM and other industry standards.
• Performing statistical analysis of test results and producing high‑quality technical reports suitable for customer submission.
• Ensuring compliance with national and global chemical legislation (e.g., REACh).
• Keeping business strategy aligned with the latest emerging M&P technologies.
• Defining, with support from metallic M&P experts, specific metals and associated processes (e.g., heat treatment, corrosion protection).
• Providing effective problem‑solving support for M&P‑related issues.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs), including matrix types, fibres, manufacturing technologies, and in‑service performance.
• Experience authoring M&P specifications for composite material systems.
• Experience working with OEMs and/or regulators to certify PMC materials and structures for aerospace applications.

Desirable skills

• Knowledge of dry fibre processing and resin infusion technologies.
• Experience developing test methods for PMC material characterisation.
• Familiarity with thermal analysis methods, including DSC and DMA.
• Degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Highly motivated, with the ability to work on their own initiative.
• Hands‑on approach to developing processes and methods.
• Clear, collaborative, and open communication skills.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work in a dynamic, inclusive team culture.
• In‑depth understanding of statistical analysis.
• Comprehensive grounding in solid mechanics and first‑principle analysis.
• Interest in contributing to industry working groups such as ASTM D30 and CMH‑17.

About Safran

Safran is an international high‑technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100 000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine’s “World’s best companies 2024” ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13 000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.