Job Description:

Astute's Nuclear Team is partnering with a leading engineering and technology organisation specialising in complex maritime and defence systems to recruit a Mechanical Research Engineer for its facility in Winfrith Newburgh.

The Research Engineer role comes with a competitive salary, excellent benefits package including dental insurance, travel insurance and enhanced holiday allowance, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research and development projects that support future technologies and capabilities.

If you're a Research Engineer and are looking to work for an organisation that values innovation, technical excellence, and professional development, then submit your CV to apply today.

Responsibilities and duties of the Research Engineer role

Reporting to the Engineering Manager you will:

• Design, build, test and develop low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) systems and concepts.
• Support the development of innovative technologies through prototype design, testing, data analysis, and evaluation.
• Plan and lead laboratory and field-based testing activities, including acting as Trials Officer where required.
• Design scientific test plans and methodologies to validate technical concepts and meet project objectives.
• Select, configure and operate measurement and instrumentation equipment.
• Develop bespoke test setups and systems to support research and development activities.
• Produce technical documentation including test plans, method statements, risk assessments, and technical reports.
• Troubleshoot and repair complex mechanical and electrical systems during testing and trials.
• Analyse test data to identify trends, relationships, and technical conclusions.
• Develop bespoke software tools using MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar platforms to support modelling, testing, and analysis.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, customers, and stakeholders to translate research concepts into practical engineering solutions.
• Support bid and proposal activities through technical input, work package development, and estimation activities.
• Participate in UK and overseas testing programmes, including at-sea trials where required.

Professional qualifications

We are looking for someone with the following:

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Previous experience within a research, development, testing, or engineering environment.
• Experience planning, executing, and documenting system tests and trials.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems and their integration.
• Experience using measurement and instrumentation equipment.
• Programming experience using MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar software.
• Experience within the defence, maritime, naval, or advanced engineering sectors would be advantageous.
• Experience participating in field or at-sea trials would be beneficial.
• Ability to obtain Security Clearance (SC).

Personal skills

The Research Engineer role would suit someone who is:

• An excellent communicator with strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
• A proactive and adaptable problem solver
• Comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities.
• Highly motivated with a passion for innovation and technology development.
• Confident in making decisions and taking ownership of technical challenges.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of environmental, health, and safety performance.
• Flexible and willing to travel within the UK and overseas when required.

Salary and benefits of the Research Engineer role

• Competitive Salary and benefits package including:
• Enhanced Annual Leave
• Flexible working scheme
• Travel Insurance
• Enhanced Pension Contribution
• Income Protection
• Dental Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Discount scheme and more.

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Astute People are acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government's Disability Confident Employer initiative. We endeavour to get back to everyone, however, if you have not heard anything after 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.