Research & Technology Scientist / Engineer

Job Title: Research & Technology Scientist / Engineer
Location: Hailsham, East Sussex
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm
Working pattern: Permanent, fully site-based
TPA Recruit is supporting a specialist advanced materials engineering business in the appointment of a Research & Technology Scientist / Engineer based in Hailsham.
This role offers the opportunity to work across advanced materials, metallurgy, additive manufacturing, process engineering and technology development. The Research & Technology Scientist / Engineer will contribute to projects spanning scientific research, technology maturation, engineering development, process optimisation and commercial deployment.
Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will combine experimental investigation, engineering development, data analysis and, where appropriate, computational modelling. The position can suit an early-career scientist or engineer with strong technical potential through to an experienced specialist capable of leading complex programmes.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead research and technology projects from concept through to implementation and commercial application, including cost, time and resource planning.
* Design, plan and execute experimental programmes, producing clear working instructions and test methodologies.
* Analyse technical and experimental data to improve process performance, equipment capability and technology outcomes.
* Develop scientific and engineering investigations supporting new materials, processes, technologies and equipment.
* Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
* Support computational modelling activities, including CFD and FEA where appropriate.
* Collaborate with customers, universities, suppliers, consortium partners and internal teams to deliver project outcomes.
* Translate scientific findings into practical engineering solutions and commercially viable technologies.
* Prepare technical reports, project documentation, funding reports and presentations, including alloy composition and structural data.
* Represent the business at customer meetings, conferences, exhibitions and industry events.
* Provide technical support to manufacturing, design, sales and other business functions.
Qualifications and Experience
* Degree, MSc or PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Applied Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Physical Chemistry or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
* Experience delivering technical projects within an industrial, research or academic environment.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking capability.
* Ability to prepare technical reports and communicate findings clearly to varied stakeholders.
* Competence using Microsoft Excel; experience with Microsoft Project is advantageous.
* Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to undertake occasional UK and international travel.
Relevant Technical Experience Experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas would be valuable:
* Additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy or gas atomisation.
* Induction heating, vacuum systems or pressure systems.
* Fluid mechanics, thermofluids, CFD or FEA.
* Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) or physical vapour deposition (PVD).
* Fluidised bed processing, advanced materials development or process scale-up.
* Experimental design, statistical analysis and technology transfer.
The Successful Candidate The successful Research & Technology Scientist / Engineer will be self-motivated, technically curious and comfortable working with the uncertainty involved in innovation. You will be organised, capable of managing several workstreams and enthusiastic about developing expertise across emerging technologies.
Benefits
* 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Exposure to internationally focused advanced materials projects.
* Opportunities for professional development, technical leadership and collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
This Research & Technology Scientist / Engineer position is fully site-based in Hailsham and cannot be performed remotely