Senior Material and Process Engineer, Composites M-F

Preligens; Banbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology firm in Banbury is seeking a Senior Material and Process Engineer to lead the development of new composite materials. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the introduction of novel composite systems using high-rate manufacturing processes, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The ideal candidate will have expertise in Polymer Matrix Composites and experience in authoring specifications. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, contributing to innovative aerospace solutions.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company performance bonus

Pension scheme – up to 10% employer contribution

Private medical insurance

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs).
• Experience authoring M&P specifications for composite materials.
• Familiarity with thermal analysis methods like DSC and DMA.

Responsibilities

• Authoring material and processing specifications for composites.
• Specifying detailed test plans for characterisation.
• Performing statistical analysis of test results.

Skills

Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs)

M&P specifications

OEM certification

Statistical analysis

Education

Degree in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Senior Material and Process Engineer, Composites M/F

Location: Banbury, England, United Kingdom. Contract type: Permanent, Full-time. Professional status: Professional, Engineer & Manager.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job Requirements

Essential Skills

• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Company performance bonus scheme
• Pension scheme – up to 10% employer contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive health cash plan
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave – up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay)
• Structured training & opportunities to progress

Company Information

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.

Locate your future workplace

Chalker Way OX16 4X

Banbury

England, United Kingdom