Composites Engineer

An innovative engineering organisation operating within the marine and defence sectors is seeking a Composites Engineer to join its R&D team. This is a hands-on, technical role with exposure to testing, research, and collaboration with external partners. The role offers significant growth potential as the company continues to expand its in-house capabilities.

Role Overview
As a Composites Engineer, you will play a key role in advancing the company’s materials science and processing capabilities, with a primary focus on polymer composites. Your work will be split approximately as follows:

Testing (1/3): Hands-on operation, setup, and execution of materials and component tests Research (1/3): Supporting materials development projects and generating technical solutions to advance product performance Third-party liaison (1/3): Identifying and managing external test houses, suppliers, and research partners to complement in-house capabilities

You will have the opportunity to influence future product and manufacturing strategies, and develop into a subject matter expert, with a clear path for progression as the company continues to bring more activities in-house.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and support composite materials testing, both in-house and in collaboration with external test facilities Conduct applied research on polymer composites to support new product development Identify and liaise with external test houses, suppliers, and research partners, ensuring successful third-party testing and research outcomes Operate, maintain, and optimise laboratory and test equipment Collaborate effectively within the team, contributing to planning, goal setting, and project delivery Communicate clearly with internal teams and external partners Undertake occasional domestic travel as required

Candidate Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline Proven experience working with polymer composites Experience with metallurgy and ceramics is desirable but not essential Previous exposure to materials testing, research projects, or working with external partners is advantageous Hands-on experience with laboratory or test equipment is desirable; in-house training will be provided Strong organisational, teamwork, and communication skills Motivated, self-starting, and results-oriented approach

What’s on Offer
A technically challenging, hands-on R&D role focused on composites Exposure to both in-house and third-party testing and research Opportunity to develop into a subject matter expert with a clear progression path Collaborative team environment within a forward-looking engineering company Chance to influence product and manufacturing strategies and contribute to sustainable, high-performance solutions

If you are interested, please apply!


  • Location: Portsmouth, England
  • Type: Permanent
  • Recruiter: STR Group Limited
  • Posted: 05-Feb-2026
  • Posted on: careers4a.com