An exciting opportunity has arisen to take a lead role for high temperature materials, mainly engineering ceramics and ceramic matrix composites within our state of the art Stevenage Materials and Processes Laboratory.

Salary: Circa £60,000 DOE + Excellent Benefits + Bonus + Flexible Working

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 4 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants seeking flexible arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: Up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave; enhancements available for paternity, neonatal, and fertility treatments
• Facilities: Subsidised meals, free parking, and more...

The opportunity:

In support of design, manufacturing, in-service, and R&D, you will specify, implement, and use engineering ceramic and CMC materials, especially those in high temperature or radio frequency applications. Your strong background in inorganic materials/chemistry and industry experience will ensure design engineers are recommended appropriate, compliant materials and processes, and that R&D materials are developed to be ready for insertion. As part of the UK Materials and Processes team, you will support all aspects of materials within company facilities, the customer, and the supply chain.

Key aspects of the role:

• Provide expertise in the specification, manufacturing, and use of ceramics and CMCs.
• Support other high temperature materials.
• Manage and deliver characterization programs, including hands-on activities.
• Lead complex R&D projects with internal and external stakeholders, including internationally.
• Advise procurement, projects, and engineering on subcontractor capabilities.
• Conduct material testing: microsectioning, examination, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and physical testing.
• Provide environmental and legislative guidance relevant to MBDA UK.
• Advise on health & safety, COSHH, REACH, and hazardous waste management.
• Travel to suppliers and attend conferences nationally and internationally, including the EU and US.

What we're looking for:

• Degree or equivalent in Materials Science, inorganic Chemistry, ceramics, or composites.
• Significant industry experience, including working in a busy laboratory.
• Practical and theoretical expertise in engineering ceramics or composites joining and bonding, with knowledge of COSHH and REACH.
• Experience in defence, aerospace, or safety-critical industries is advantageous.
• Strong communication skills and stakeholder management abilities.
• Motivation, problem-solving skills, and adaptability.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Flexibility to undertake various tasks, including outside area of expertise.
• Knowledge of RF or low observability is a plus.

What's in it for you?

• Stimulating technical challenges and personal development.
• Opportunities for on-the-job training, e-learning, and classroom learning.
• Travel opportunities within the UK and internationally.
• Work in a fast-paced, multi-functional team on new product lines.

Our company: MBDA is a leading defence organisation supporting armed forces to protect our nations. We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging all to apply and providing support throughout the recruitment process.

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