Research Engineer or Advanced Research Engineer - Carbon Fibre Pilot Line

National Composites Centre; Northwich; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Northwich is looking for a Research Engineer or Advanced Research Engineer to develop processes for carbon fibre production. The role involves operating pilot-scale equipment, leading technical development, and optimizing processes. Candidates should have a degree in Chemistry or related fields, strong problem-solving skills, and experience in chemical processing. Attractive benefits include annual salary reviews, private medical insurance, and a generous pension contribution.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution

Annual salary reviews

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Strong experience in pilot plant or materials science research.
• Experience writing technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop scientific and technical knowledge related to carbon fibre.
• Operate pilot-scale and laboratory equipment.
• Write and maintain technical documents ensuring compliance.

Skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Knowledge in polymer chemistry

Experience with wet spinning

Experience in pilot plant operations

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Research Engineer or Advanced Research Engineer – Carbon Fibre Pilot Line

NCC Northwich based – predominantly on site with limited hybrid working

Salary: £39,878 to £58,038 per annum experience dependent, plus up to 12.5% employer pension contribution and private medical insurance.

Closing Date: 25th January 2026.

This is an exciting time for NCC. We are recruiting a Research Engineer or Advanced Research Engineer to join a new NCC advanced materials team, based in at NCC Carbon Fibre Line Facility at Cygnet Texkimp, Northwich, Cheshire West.

The team are tasked with developing a strategic UK capability for Carbon Fibre and precursor materials development. Collaborating with partner research organisations and serving industry needs, you will be at the heart of delivering research and technology projects to advance what’s possible with this high-performance fibre used across sectors such as Aerospace, Defence and Clean Energy.

As a hands‑on Research Engineer, you will lead technical development activities, design and run experiments, write procedures and contribute to scientific understanding within the NCC and the wider research community.

You will play a key role in developing processes for PAN polymer production, fibre spinning and Carbon Fibre conversion. You will also provide mentoring, supervision and technical support to Technicians, ensuring high standards of safety, documentation and experimental quality.

What you’ll be doing

Scientific & Technical Development

• Develop scientific and technical knowledge related to precursor production, fibre spinning and Carbon Fibre processing.
• Develop pilot plant process instructions, and laboratory test methods for fibre minerals.
• Design, plan and conduct experimental programmes; analyse data and produce high‑quality technical reports and presentations.
• Lead process optimisation, troubleshooting and improvement activities.

Pilot Line Operation

• Operate pilot‑scale and laboratory equipment for PAN polymer solution preparation, wet spinning and Carbon Fibre conversion.
• Oversee daily pilot line activities and ensure safe, compliant and consistent operation.
• Support maintenance, inspections, basic fault finding and equipment performance monitoring.

Documentation, Procedures & Compliance

• Write and maintain technical documents, operating procedures and process instructions.
• Lead the development and review of risk assessments and COSHH documentation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Health, Safety and Environmental legislation and champion safe working practices.

Leadership, Mentoring & Collaboration

• Provide day‑to‑day technical supervision and coaching for Technicians and Associate Technicians.
• Support onboarding and training for new team members and visiting NCC colleagues.
• Engage proactively in team meetings, safety briefings and scientific discussions.
• Ensure the appropriate capture and dissemination of technical information to internal and external customers strengthen customer relationships.

Data & Reporting

• Accurately document process conditions, experimental data and analytical results.
• Use data analysis and modelling tools to interpret results and inform decision‑making.
• Share knowledge with internal stakeholders and contribute to the NCC’s scientific output.

So, what are we looking for?

• Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Strong experience in pilot plant, chemical processing, materials science or laboratory‑based research.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and familiarity with methodologies such as DOE, DMAIC, Six‑sigma
• Proven ability to operate and troubleshoot pilot scale or industrial scale processes with chemical, physical and mechanical inputs.
• Experience and understanding of compliance with relevant health and safety regulations and quality standards.
• Experience writing procedures and technical documentation.
• Knowledge in areas such as polymer chemistry, composite materials, process engineering or fibre reinforcement.
• Experience with wet spinning, carbon fibre production or materials testing is highly advantageous.
• Experience with systems engineering, HMI/SCADA or process digitisation is advantageous.

Please see the attached job description for more details.

What do we offer in return?

Annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

We see your future in ours. Apply now.