R&D Engineer (Composites)

  • Rise Technical Recruitment
  • Bristol, Gloucestershire
  • Apr 15, 2026
Full time Engineering

Job Description

R&D Engineer (Carbon Fibre/Composites)

50,000 - 60,000 + 37 Days Holiday + Progression + Cutting-Edge Technology

Bristol (On-site)

Are you a R&D engineer looking for the Potential to move into senior technical, project leadership, or product development roles and be a part of a rapidly growing company?

This is a rare opportunity to join a venture-backed climate tech company developing innovative chemical recycling processes to recover high-value carbon fibre for use across aerospace, defence, and industrial sectors.

This company recently received a large amount of funding and is entering an exciting scale-up phase.

Drive the future of sustainable materials by leading the characterisation and QC of recovered carbon fibre. In this hands-on R&D role, you'll bridge the gap between theory and production-designing experimental programmes, building custom test rigs, and manufacturing composite prototypes. Beyond the lab, you'll leverage Python to build sophisticated data pipelines while managing high-impact projects and external partnerships. It's a unique opportunity to own the full technical lifecycle, from pilot plant development to securing R&D grants, all while scaling cutting-edge recycling technology

The Role

  • You will play a key role in developing and scaling a novel chemical process, working across lab and pilot plant environments.
  • QC & Characterization: Fiber analysis and technical datasheets.
  • Experimental Design: Test rig construction and program execution.
  • Manufacturing: Composite prototyping and pilot plant support.
  • Digital Tools: Python data pipelines and analysis.
  • Management: Project milestones, grants, and partnerships.This is a highly practical, hands-on role where you'll be solving real engineering challenges, not just theoretical work.

The Person

  • Strong knowledge of carbon fibre and composites
  • Hands-on composites processing experience (e.g. layup, infusion, nonwovens)
  • Degree in materials science, composites, aerospace, physics, or similar
  • Practical engineering/build capability (test rigs, fixtures, etc.)
  • Data analysis skills (Python or similar)
  • Ability to generate and communicate technical data

Rise Technical Recruitment Ltd acts an employment agency for permanent roles and an employment business for temporary roles.

The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set and will be decided by our client, the employer. Rise are not responsible or liable for any hiring decisions made by the end client.

We are an equal opportunities company and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.