Principal Materials Scientist
Competitive Salary + Bonus + Pension + 33 Days Holiday + Hybrid Working
We are seeking an experienced Principal Materials Scientist to join an established Product Development and R&D team in Rotherham. This is a senior technical position offering the opportunity to become a key authority in polymer materials, driving innovation, product development and technical problem-solving.
The Role
- Lead materials research, testing and development projects.
- Provide technical expertise in polymer chemistry, materials selection and processing.
- Drive product innovation, continuous improvement and process development.
- Lead technical investigations, root cause analysis and non-conformance investigations.
- Provide guidance on regulatory, certification and compliance requirements, including REACH.
- Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers and commercial teams.
- Develop and maintain technical knowledge relating to materials, formulations, testing and regulatory requirements.
- Share expertise and best practice across wider technical and R&D teams.
About You
- Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline; PhD advantageous.
- Extensive experience in materials science, polymer chemistry or chemical engineering.
- Strong experience working within a manufacturing environment.
- Excellent knowledge of polymer chemistry, scientific testing and data analysis.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly.
- Experience with composite materials, tribology, REACH, DSEAR or ATEX would be advantageous.
- Confident working collaboratively across technical and commercial functions.
Package
- Competitive salary
- Performance-related bonus
- Company pension
- 33 days holiday including bank holidays
- Flexible working and flexi-time
- Hybrid working considered
- Life assurance at 4x annual salary
- Employee Assistance Programme
- On-site parking and catering facilities
- Wellbeing initiatives and social activities
- Monday–Thursday 8:30am–5:00pm, Friday 8:30am–3:00pm
- Approximately 5% international travel
Location: Rotherham | Hours: 38 per week | Hybrid: Considered
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior materials specialist looking to take technical ownership of a high-performance polymer product portfolio while playing a key role in future innovation and development.