Principal Research Engineer - Space

Principal Research Engineer - Space

NCC - National Composites Centre

Bristol, United Kingdom

About The Role

With the Space landscape rapidly evolving into the next frontier there has never been a more exciting time to help shape the future of sustainable solutions in space engineering systems. The NCC’s Space team are positioned at the forefront of both private and grant funded space development programs, across varied disciplines. These initiatives aim to revolutionise bolster and accelerate the UK space industry partners while supporting ambitious government efforts to position the UK as leaders in the space engineering sector.

To support this, the NCC’s Space team is seeking an inspiring and experienced Principal Research Engineer to provide technical leadership and governance, establish industrial technology partnerships, and help drive strategic sector ambitions on a 12-month fixed term basis, full-time or part-time.

What you’ll be doing

As Principal Research Engineer, you’ll take a key role, ensuring the technical quality and engineering excellence of space systems engineering programs within the NCC’s space portfolio.

• Working alongside Head of Delivery and Chief Engineer for Services, you’ll develop local sector strategies, guide roadmap development, foster strong customer relationships, and identify new opportunities to grow and diversify the portfolio;
• With a wide range of technologies feeding into these programs- from design to automation, digital engineering to flying demonstrators - this is an exciting opportunity to innovate and take a leading role in the UK's Space R&D activity;
• You’ll advocate, champion, and be the focal-point for Space Systems Engineering thinking at the NCC. As you generate demand and trust for your new SE capability, you’ll influence and shape the NCC’s approach to Space sector. At every step of a project’s lifecycle; from gate review to customer meetings and through to project delivery and beyond you’ll influence all areas of the business, with the chance to really make your mark on an organisation with huge potential;
• You’ll develop excellent working relationships across the NCC, to steer the capability into the future. This will include upskilling and training of a few NCC staff in Space specific areas.

So, what are we looking for?

As Principal Research Engineer you will lead technical tasks within the Space sector and deliver projects to a high standard. In addition you will assist in defining the future direction of the sector and influence the NCC’s technical strategy in order to meet the needs of the sector.

• Relevant degree/qualification or substantial experience of working within key technical roles or of working with composite materials within the Space systems engineering sector;
• Breadth of experience in providing technical oversight into space systems engineering, with a record of ensuring high technical standards and governance in work packages/programmes of work;
• Space systems engineering programme leadership and development. From a multi-disciplinary commercial and engineering background;
• Broad understanding and experience of working across the full project/product lifecycle;
• Commercial awareness and bid writing experience would be a benefit.

What do we offer in return?

Hybrid and flexible working as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

We see your future in ours. Apply now.

Closing date for applications Sunday 25^th May 2025.

MS Teams video ‘exploratory call’ early June and interview week commencing 23^rd June 2025 (remote or in-person options available). Dates can be subject to change.

About The Company

Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do. At the NCC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. We’re always open to hearing how we can support flexible working in different ways, including part-time work. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.

Why the NCC?

We see our success in yours. The future of composites manufacturing relies on the NCC, and we rely on the right individuals to make it happen, whether they’re engineers or not!

Diverse challenges – the NCC isn’t just about aerospace. We’re working with over 16 sectors and a variety of customers, from private ventures to the global tier 1 companies, providing variety to your experience.

Innovation – a world-leading research and development centre, the work we do brings novel and innovative solutions to industry, with the future firmly in mind. So we need innovating thinking not just in Engineering, but across all support functions.

Development in composites, and you – if the scope of exciting work isn’t enough to sway you, our ethos of continued learning and development and flexible working patterns will.

We look forward to hearing from you. #fulltime

Apply Now