Materials Engineer - #2192878

Position: Materials Technologist / Materials Engineer

Location: Advanced Manufacturing Park, Rotherham, South Yorkshire

Sector: Aluminium and metals manufacturing consultancy

Salary: £35,000 to £45,000, negotiable according to experience

Working arrangement: Office / laboratory based, with customer visits as required

Eligibility: UK passport required due to the need to obtain security clearance

About us:

Innoval provides research, technology and innovation consultancy services to the global aluminium industry and related metals manufacturing sectors, including automotive, aerospace, packaging and construction. As part of the Danieli Group, we combine deep materials knowledge with practical manufacturing expertise to help clients improve products, processes, sustainability and operational performance. Through our ambitious Innoval 2030 growth plan, we are investing in the development of our people, capabilities and client offering, with the aim of accelerating sustainable growth and extending the value of our expertise into selected sectors beyond aluminium.

Our multidisciplinary team works across metallurgy, materials characterisation, surfaces and coatings, advanced manufacturing, process modelling, sustainable development, best-practice transfer and technical training. The role is based at Innoval’s state-of-the-art facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

About the role:

You will join Innoval’s multidisciplinary materials team, providing high-quality materials characterisation, testing, research and technical consultancy services to leading manufacturers and OEMs around the world.

The role would suit someone with a strong technical background in materials science or metallurgy, combined with relevant applied research or industrial experience. You will undertake and interpret technical work while taking ownership of defined customer projects. This will include understanding client requirements, developing proposals, planning and coordinating technical activities, analysing results, and communicating clear findings and practical recommendations to customers and industry stakeholders.

The position is based primarily in our materials laboratory. It also includes customer visits, technical meetings and opportunities to represent Innoval at conferences and industry forums.

Key responsibilities:

• Capture and understand customers’ technical requirements, challenges and priorities.
• Develop customer-focused proposals covering materials testing, characterisation and applied research.
• Lead defined customer projects, coordinating activities, scope, timing and technical outputs.
• Prepare specimens and conduct materials testing and characterisation using appropriate procedures and equipment.
• Analyse and interpret results, identify technically sound conclusions, and develop practical recommendations.
• Prepare and present clear technical reports to customers and colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with Innoval specialists to deliver multidisciplinary assignments.
• Support the Laboratory Quality Manager in maintaining UKAS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025.
• Contribute to customer visits, industry events and the development of new project opportunities.
• Work safely, responsibly and in accordance with laboratory procedures and health and safety requirements.

About you:

• Degree in materials science, metallurgy, engineering or a closely related discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification, particularly an MSc or PhD, is desirable, although equivalent relevant industrial experience will also be considered.
• Relevant experience gained in industry, applied research, a university or a research and technology organisation.
• Practical experience of materials characterisation and testing, ideally involving aluminium or other metallic materials.
• Experience of metallographic preparation, optical or electron microscopy and mechanical testing.
• Additional experience in surface characterisation, corrosion testing, heat treatment or failure investigation would be advantageous.
• Ability to analyse and interpret technical data and translate results into clear conclusions and recommendations.
• Capability and confidence to take ownership of defined technical projects and interact directly with customers.
• Strong technical report-writing, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of working in a quality-controlled laboratory and familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025 would be desirable.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and time-management skills.
• Fluent written and spoken English and confidence using Microsoft Office applications.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• 26 days annual leave plus UK statutory holidays.
• 5% employer pension contribution.
• Four times salary life assurance.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Free secure parking with electric vehicle charging points.
• Long-term career opportunity within a profitable, growing international group.
• Ongoing professional and career development.