Research Specialist - Special Coatings Technology

GKN; Watford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Research Specialist - Special Coatings Technology to enhance high-performance polymer coatings development at their Luton facility. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree, experience in coating technologies, and a logical approach to research projects. This role comes with a competitive salary and extensive benefits, including an industry-leading pension and various employee perks.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Industry leading pension scheme

Life assurance 8 × salary

185 hours holiday plus bank holidays

Income protection

Shopping discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Virtual GP clinic

Free onsite parking

Local gym discount

Discount with local nursery and preschool childcare

Qualifications

• Relevant, accredited Chemistry/Materials/Coatings degree is required.
• Knowledge and experience in coating development and application technology.
• Experience with test design and execution in a lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-impact R&D on polymer coatings and processes.
• Support existing programs and resolve manufacturing issues.
• Lead hands-on development trials to meet project objectives.

Skills

Polymer coatings development

Coating application technology

Materials testing

Test/experimental design

Report writing

Presentation skills

Education

Relevant Chemistry/Materials/Coatings degree

Higher degree (Masters, PhD, or EngD)

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a Research Specialist - Special Coatings Technology to join our coatings development team based at our Luton Manufacturing facility, to support the development of next generation high‐performance transparency polymer coatings, icephobic coatings and coating manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Bring your knowledge in polymer coatings development, processing, application and coating testing techniques to deliver high‐impact research and development across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 17.
• Deliver technical outcomes that are robust, innovative and aligned with our engineering and sustainability goals.
• Provide support to existing programmes within your field of expertise, help resolve manufacturing issues and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Take responsibility for the technical delivery of allocated project tasks, deliverables or project work packages, ensuring the research objectives have been satisfied.
• Support or lead hands‐on development test work and development trials required to meet project objectives.
• Contribute to Technology Development Plans, Project definitions and may support creation of Technology Business Cases and external funding proposals as required.
• Support project stakeholder engagement activities including customer presentations and reviews, and may lead management of supply chain partner activities in some cases.
• Ensure EHS policy and process adherence for your activities and contribute to a proactive EHS culture in the wider team.

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant, accredited Chemistry / Materials / Coatings based degree.
• Knowledge and experience of coating development, application technology and materials testing.
• Experience of test/experimental design and practical execution in laboratory or test facility conditions to defined standards.
• Logical and methodical approach to task planning.
• Good report writing and presentation skills.

Desirable

• A higher degree qualification such as a Masters, PhD or EngD.
• An awareness of aerospace certification requirements.

Security and Work

The position requires UK National Security Vetting (UKNSV) Security clearance (SC). In order to obtain an SC you usually need to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years to current date (but we assess each case individually).

Core operational hours at our Luton site are: 07:30–16:30 Monday to Thursday and 07:30–12:30 Friday.

Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Industry leading pension scheme – match up to 8% contributions on a 1:1.5 basis.
• Life assurance 8 × salary.
• 185 hours holiday plus bank holidays.
• Income protection.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Virtual GP clinic for you and immediate family.
• Free onsite parking.
• Local gym discount.
• 50% off local travel card.
• Free airport Dart.
• Free airport parking.
• Discount with local nursery and preschool childcare setting.
• Enhanced family-friendly leave.
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment.