Job Description
R&D Engineer – Materials & Spray Technologies
Location: Portsmouth (with UK & European travel)
Hours: 08:00am-5:00pm (Monday to Friday) but the role requires flexibility to meet business needsSalary: £45,000 - £50,000 (DOE) + bonus (upto 15%)
Holidays: 22 days + bank holidays (increasing on length of service)
Are you an engineer who loves getting hands-on with materials, machines and real-world applications? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where innovation, testing and customer impact sit at the heart of what you do?
If this sounds like you, a leading specialist distributor and innovation partner within the highways and infrastructure sector is looking for an R&D Engineer to join its growing product development team.
About the Company
This is a respected, high-growth business operating across the UK, Ireland and Europe, known for challenging traditional, carbon-intensive methods with safer, more sustainable alternatives. Innovation is central to everything they do, from collaborating with manufacturers and universities to supporting contractors directly on site. Their in-house R&D engineering team plays a pivotal role in shaping next-generation materials, machines and application methods.
What’s the role about?
This is a genuinely hands-on R&D and product development role, not an administrative desk job. You’ll work across multiple live and in-development projects, owning testing, prototyping and technical support while collaborating with clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
You can expect to be:
* Driving innovation across materials, spray technologies and specialist equipment
* Supporting clients through training, demonstrations and on-site testing
* Translating real-world feedback into product improvements and new solutions
* Working flexibly, including travel across the UK and Europe
Key Responsibilities:
* Run product demonstrations and technical presentations linked to product development
* Train clients on correct application of materials and specialist spray machinery
* Attend and support on-site testing and trials
* Carry out practical testing and prototyping of new products
* Report on test results and create technical documentation
* Conduct market research and competitive product analysis
* Source potential product solutions and development partners
* Collaborate with laboratories and universities on development projects
Requirements
You’ll be someone who brings:
* Proven experience working with paint systems, spray technologies or spraying equipment
* A relevant degree (or postgraduate qualification) in industrial paints, chemicals or similar is advantageous
* Experience in industrial or contracting environments with stakeholder-facing projects (automotive, chemicals, paints, aerospace, fire safety related products)
* Strong communication and presentation skills
* A driven, energetic and proactive approach
* The ability to travel freely across the UK and Europe (full UK right to work required)
* European language skills (highly advantageous, but not essential)
Benefits
What’s in it for you?
* Impact: Be at the forefront of developing safer, more sustainable infrastructure solutions
* Variety: A mix of lab work, field testing, client engagement and European collaboration
* Growth: Join a growing R&D function with scope to develop leadership and project ownership
* Reward: £45,000- £50,000 base salary plus bonus
* Exposure: Work closely with manufacturers, universities and industry specialists
IND25