Mechanical Test Engineer

smart4chemicals; Wrexham, West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading materials manufacturing company is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer/Sr Scientist in Wrexham. The successful candidate will develop and improve testing methods, support product qualifications in the aerospace sector, and lead initiatives for continuous improvement. Applicants should possess a PhD in Polymer or Materials Science, along with at least 5 years of relevant experience in advanced materials and leadership skills. This position offers opportunities to expand testing capabilities and collaborate with global teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer or Materials Science preferred.
• 5+ years' experience in a technical role within advanced materials.
• 2+ years' leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve mechanical and analytical test methods.
• Lead method development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support customer test requests and generate detailed technical reports.

Skills

Analytical test methods development

Problem-solving

Leadership

Communication

Knowledge of composites and materials

Education

PhD in Polymer or Materials Science

Degree in Science, Engineering, or Technology

Tools

Six Sigma

Lean methodologies

Job description

Smart4Chemicals are recruiting for a leader in polymer and materials manufacturing for a Mechanical Test Engineer/Sr Scientist. As part of their growing Materials and Testing Laboratory in Wrexham, they are looking for a Mechanical Test Engineer to support product qualifications, development, and problem resolution for the aerospace sector.

This role offers hands‑on involvement in test method development, continuous improvement, and expansion of testing capabilities across mechanical, physical, and NDI techniques. To be considered for this role you will be degree educated in Materials Science, Chemistry or Mechanical Engineering (ideally PhD educated), with previous industrial experience of developing analytical, physical and mechanical testing methods of polymers, composites or materials.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and improve mechanical and analytical test methods
• Lead method development and continuous improvement initiatives
• Deliver and enhance internal training programmes
• Lead the development and analytical laboratory when required
• Support customer test requests and generate detailed technical reports
• Conduct root cause analysis and troubleshoot test failures
• Drive reporting improvements and standardisation
• Expand testing capabilities and gain key accreditations
• Collaborate across the global network and with external partners

Key Requirements:

• Degree educated in Science, Engineering, or Technology (PhD in Polymer or Materials Science preferred)
• 5+ years' experience in a technical role within advanced materials
• 2+ years' leadership or supervisory experience (preferred)
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean, and Continuous Improvement tools
• Strong knowledge of composites, resin systems, fibre types, and relevant test methods
• Confident communicator with excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills
• Able to manage multiple priorities and work independently