Advanced/Principal Research Engineer Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)

National Composites Centre; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading composite materials research facility in Bristol is seeking a Principal Research Engineer to provide technical authority on innovative projects. This role involves establishing partnerships, revising technical documents, and fostering innovation within a hybrid working environment. Candidates should possess an educational background in chemistry and experience with ceramics and composites, particularly in challenging environments such as aerospace and defence. The position offers substantial benefits including private medical insurance and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Annual salary reviews

Company paid private medical insurance

Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution

Honorary staff status at the University of Bristol

Qualifications

• Proven experience in chemical vapour deposition or infiltration processes.
• Ability to solve real-world problems with innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical authority on projects and guidance on technical capability.
• Revise and create the roadmap for innovative approaches.
• Establish effective partnerships with industry partners.
• Represent the company in relevant technical forums.

Skills

Experience with ceramic materials

Understanding of composite materials

Knowledge of UHTCMC processing

Experience in R&D within industry

Knowledge of harsh environments

Education

Educational background in chemistry

Job description

Location: Bristol based with Hybrid working – 2 days on site, 3 days home

NCC is a world-leading authority on composite materials research, development, and manufacturing. We work with global leaders across industries such as aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and defence to develop cutting‑edge composite solutions. As part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the NCC is at the forefront of innovation, helping businesses turn ideas into reality.

What you’ll be doing

As Principal Research Engineer you will be responsible for:

• Providing technical specialist authority and guidance on projects and technical capability both tactically and strategically.
• You’ll be revising, formulating and creating the roadmap for novel and innovative approaches and pioneer technical solutions. Foster innovation across the team, working in an inter‑disciplinary way.
• Create and revise technical documents and advocate for publishing technical content.
• Establish and develop effective partnerships internally and externally with industry partners.
• Represent NCC in relevant technical forums and champion our technical strategy.

What we’re looking for

• Ceramics - You have experience working with ceramic materials and have knowledge of their properties, benefits and limitations.
• Composites - You understand the raw materials, constituent parts and operational characteristics of the various types of CMCs (Ox‑Ox, Sic‑SiC, C‑SiC and C‑C etc). With practice of the considerable efforts involved in the various manufacturing routes.
• Fundamental understanding of UHTCMC processing and thermo‑ablative characterisation.
• You possess an educational background in chemistry with experience of processes such as chemical vapour deposition or infiltration.
• A strong knowledge of the challenges faced in novel applications CMCs and have a passion for delivering new technology.
• Industrial focus - You've put your knowledge to the test or have worked in R&D within industry - proven experience in a practical setting, solving real‑world problems with real‑world solutions.
• Novel sectors - Ideally, you'll have knowledge and experience of working within a relevant sector where materials must withstand harsh environments (radiation degradation, high temperatures, space environment), forcing engineers to think outside the box in terms of materials selection. Space, Nuclear, Aerospace, Defence etc.

What do we offer in return?

Hybrid and flexible working as standard, 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.

Closing date for applications Sunday 4th January 2026