3D Textiles Research Engineer

NCC is continuing to grow rapidly into new industries, driving innovation at the forefront of defence and advanced manufacturing. We're looking for a creative and technically skilled engineer (Research Engineer/ Advanced Research Engineer) to pioneer the next generation of 3D textile technologies and composite solutions for cutting-edge defence and aerospace programmes.

You'll work on some of our highest impact projects, developing novel materials, processes, and architectures that push the boundaries of performance. This role is perfect for an engineer with a passion for innovation, experience in 3D weaving and adjacent technologies, and a desire to see research transformed into real-world capability for the UK's most critical sectors.

Complex Deposition

Do you have experience in 3D weaving? Complex deposition is a multi-disciplinary team of technology experts containing specialists from fibre braiding to filament winding, they are working with on-site equipment and leading industry manufacturers to develop our processes to new applications. Additionally, we have strong relationships with external 3D weaving industry partners for manufacturing and test.

Are you someone who wants to help grow those relationships, leading programmes with innovation and confidence?

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver complex research and development programmes focusing on the application of 3D textiles
• Application of expertise to develop new 3D textile processes within UK Defence and Aerospace industries
• Initiating and managing supplier engagement and academic partners to produce and test prototype parts
• Leading conversations with stakeholders to establish the future of 3D textiles within the UK
• Transfer knowledge to junior engineers and researchers to collaboratively grow a strong capability team
• Support the preparation of technical documentation, proposals, and publications to support knowledge dissemination and future funding.

What Are We Looking For?

• Knowledge and previous experience in 3D weaving and adjacent textile manufacturing processes including the design, processing and test of 3D woven preforms
• An understanding of composite materials and the processing of 3D preforms to final parts
• Knowledge and experience in the UK 3D weaving industry, through either industrial experience itself or R&D engagement
• The ability to lead programmes of work independently, providing technical support to other engineers in collaborative projects
• We currently use external partners for all 3D weaving manufacturing, so this requires the readiness to effectively manage third-party suppliers, ensuring timely and quality deliverables without having on-site equipment.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC).

Desirable but non-essential

• Knowledge of 2D weaving, knitting, braiding, embroidery, through thickness reinforcement and/or tailored fibre placement
• Experience in design tools and simulation of 3D woven preforms
• Some knowledge of high temperature materials including ceramic composites

Please see the attached job description for more details.

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.

Closing date for applications: Monday 17th November 2025. Please don't wait for the closing date to apply. We retain the right to close the advertisement early depending on the quality and quantity of applications.

We see your future in ours. Apply now.