Principal Materials Scientist

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions; Rotherham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme (non-contractual)

Pension scheme

Life Assurance

25 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Employee wellbeing programs

On-site facilities

Job summary

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions in Rotherham is seeking a Principal Materials Scientist to lead the Orkot materials portfolio. You will provide scientific leadership across product development, testing and process improvement, collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver innovative, compliant bearing solutions.

You will guide polymer chemistry and materials processing, support product innovation and ensure quality and regulatory compliance for global markets.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science (PhD advantageous).
• Extensive experience in materials science, polymer chemistry or chemical engineering.
• Experience operating in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry, scientific testing methods and data analysis.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience with composite materials, tribology, REACH, DSEAR or ATEX regulations is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead materials research, testing and development activities.
• Provide expert guidance on polymer chemistry, materials selection and processing.
• Support product innovation and continuous improvement projects.
• Drive technical investigations and root cause analysis.
• Advise on regulatory, certification and compliance matters including REACH requirements.
• Collaborate with suppliers, engineering and commercial teams globally.
• Develop and maintain the knowledge base for materials, formulations, testing and regulatory matters.

Skills

Polymer chemistry

Materials science

Chemical engineering

Communication skills

Education

Chemistry degree

Chemical Engineering degree

Materials Science degree

PhD advantageous

Job description

Sista ansökningsdag 2026-09-10 Plats: GBR - Rotherham

Are you an experienced materials scientist with a passion for innovation, polymer chemistry and solving complex engineering challenges?

Who are we?

Here at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, in Rotherham, we are proud to manufacture Orkot® bearings and wear rings. Orkot® is the world's leading brand in composite bearing material for wear resistant bearings under high load. With over 60 years’ experience in composite bearings, our Rotherham facility provides a full service, from engineering concept to delivery of a bearing solution for specialist markets such as marine, hydro & tidal power.

About The Job

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is seeking a Principal Materials Scientist to join our Product Development and R&D team in Rotherham. This is a unique opportunity to become the technical authority for our Orkot materials portfolio, helping to shape the future of product innovation while supporting manufacturing, regulatory compliance and business growth.

As Principal Materials Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in providing scientific leadership across product development, materials testing, process improvement and technical problem-solving. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams, suppliers and the wider Trelleborg technical community to deliver innovative solutions and ensure our products continue to meet the highest standards of performance, quality and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading materials research, testing and development activities.
• Providing expert guidance on polymer chemistry, materials selection and processing.
• Supporting product innovation and continuous improvement projects.
• Driving technical investigations and root cause analysis.
• Provide materials expertise for process development, non-conformance investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Advise on regulatory, certification and compliance matters including REACH requirements.
• Collaborating with suppliers, engineering and commercial teams globally.
• Develop and maintain the company's knowledge base for materials, formulations, testing and regulatory matters.
• Engage with the wider Trelleborg technical and R&D community to share knowledge and best practice.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for a highly motivated scientist who combines technical excellence with strong communication and influencing skills.

You Will Have

• A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline (PhD advantageous).
• Extensive experience within materials science, polymer chemistry or chemical engineering.
• Experience operating within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of polymer chemistry, scientific testing methods and data analysis.
• The ability to communicate complex technical information to a variety of audiences.
• Experience with composite materials, tribology, REACH, DSEAR or ATEX regulations would be beneficial.

Location and Travel

This role is based at our Rotherham site, with some hybrid working considered. Occasional international travel to Trelleborg sites, customers and suppliers may be required (approximately 5%).

Working hours

The working hours for this position 38 per week, working Monday to Thursday 8.30am – 5pm & Friday 8.30am to 3pm. Flexi-time working is available with this role.

What we offer in return?

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• Non-contractual performance-related bonus scheme.
• Company pension scheme with a minimum 5% employee contribution and 4% employer contribution.
• Life Assurance of 4x annual salary.
• 25 days annual leave plus statutory public holidays (33 days total).
• Flexible working through our flexi-time scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to a remote GP service, physiotherapy and counselling for employees and their families.
• Mental Health First Aiders on site.
• Free fruit and complimentary hot and cold drinks.
• Free on-site parking, secure bicycle storage and catering facilities.
• Active social calendar including employee wellbeing initiatives, fundraising events and seasonal celebrations.
• Staff canteen with TV, dartboard and foosball table.
• Opportunity to join the TSS Football Team.

Closing date for applications is Friday 21st August 2026.