Principal Consultant (Material Technology)
We are seeking an experienced SME in Materials Technology to provide expert advice and technical support to defence programmes for NATO and the UK. This role will focus on all aspects of material science and engineering, including advanced material selection, performance assessment, modelling, and lifecycle optimisation for critical defence applications, ensuring safety, durability, and compliance with defence standards and industry best practices. You will play a key role in advising and selecting conventional and novel materials for platforms, components, and systems across various domains.
Key Responsibilities
* Advise on material selection and processing for defence systems, balancing performance, safety, cost, manufacturability, and supply chain resilience;
* Conduct failure analysis, degradation studies, and performance assessments of metals, composites, ceramics, and polymers in demanding operational environments;
* Support research, development, and innovation projects in advanced materials (e.g. lightweight structures, stealth coatings, armour systems, and high-temperature materials);
* Provide technical reports, guidance, and presentations to MOD stakeholders, prime contractors, and cross-functional project teams;
* Ensure compliance with MOD material standards (Def-Stan), UK regulations, and international defence standards;
* Collaborate with engineers, designers, and scientists across disciplines to integrate materials science into product design and testing processes; and
* Stay informed about emerging defence material technologies, including additive manufacturing, smart materials, and sustainable alternatives, through contributions and attendance at key symposiums and meetings.
Qualifications
* An advanced degree (MSc, PhD) in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline;
* Proven track record in materials science consultancy or R&D in the defence, aerospace, or high-security sectors;
* Strong knowledge of material degradation, structural integrity, and lifecycle management in harsh environments;
* Experience with advanced testing and characterisation techniques (for example, SEM, XRD, fatigue, and fracture mechanics); and
* Familiarity with defence standards, ISO, and ASTM.
Preferred Skills (Nice-to-Have)
* Experience with armour materials, energetic materials, stealth technologies, or protective coatings;
* Knowledge of supply chain risks and material availability relevant to UK defence;
* Background in sustainability and circular economy approaches to materials in defence; and
* Client-facing consulting experience with MOD or defence primes (for example, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and MBDA).
Location & Travel
* Hybrid working based in Bristol and working from home;
* Willingness to travel for client engagements as required by the job; and
* Ability to obtain and maintain UK Security Clearance (SC minimum; DV desirable).
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Information Technology
Industries
* Defense and Space Manufacturing
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