Senior / Lead Materials Engineer

Yasa Limited; Harwell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

YASA Limited is seeking a Senior or Lead Materials Engineer to advance axial flux motor materials strategies. You will drive material selection, testing programs and integration with manufacturing, working closely with internal engineers and external partners.

The role emphasizes hands‑on laboratory work at site, development of robust testing plans, and root‑cause analysis to improve power density, reliability and cost in next‑gen propulsion technologies.

Qualifications

• Applied experience with metallic and non‑metallic materials.
• Practical knowledge of joining technologies such as adhesives and welding.
• Experience with ISO, ASTM or equivalent testing standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the selection and development of materials, adhesives, joining processes and manufacturing technologies.
• Identify opportunities from new materials and emerging technologies.
• Develop and manage practical materials testing with external partners where needed.
• Support teardown and examination of failed motors and components.
• Diagnose failure mechanisms and define further testing to establish root cause.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to qualify material solutions.

Skills

Materials engineering

Materials testing

Root cause analysis

Joining technologies

Job description

About YASA

Founded in 2009 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford, YASA is a world leader in axial flux electric motor technology and part of the Mercedes-Benz Group. We are helping to shape the future of electrification through cutting‑edge innovation, engineering excellence and a passion for pushing boundaries. At YASA, you'll work alongside talented and driven colleagues in a collaborative environment where your ideas, development and contributions truly matter.

Equal Opportunities

YASA is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions based on skills, experience and potential, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity status, or any other protected characteristic.

We have an opportunity to join Graeme Hyson’s R&D team as a Senior or Lead Materials Engineer, supporting both new technology development and the investigation of material‑related failures.

Materials are fundamental to the performance of YASA’s axial flux motors, with thermal, magnetic and mechanical demands directly affecting power density, reliability and cost. This is a hands‑on role for someone who can turn incomplete or loosely defined requirements into clear, evidence‑based engineering recommendations.

The role will see you:

• Lead the selection and development of materials, adhesives, joining processes and manufacturing technologies.
• Identify opportunities arising from new materials and emerging technologies.
• Develop and manage practical materials testing, including work with external test partners.
• Support the teardown and examination of failed motors, drive units and components.
• Diagnose failure mechanisms and define further testing to establish root cause.
• Work with internal engineering teams and external suppliers to develop and qualify material solutions.

We’re looking for someone with applied experience across metallic and non‑metallic materials, practical knowledge of joining technologies such as adhesives and welding, and a methodical approach to testing and root‑cause analysis. Experience of sample preparation and testing to ISO, ASTM or equivalent standards is important. As laboratory work is central to the position, the role will be primarily site-based.