R&D Engineer – Materials & Spray Technologies

Location: Plymouth (with UK & European travel)

Hours: 08:00am-5:00pm (Monday to Friday) but the role requires flexibility to meet business needs
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 (DOE) + bonus (upto 15%)

Holidays: 22 days + bank holidays (increasing on length of service)

Are you an engineer who loves getting hands-on with materials, machines and real-world applications? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where innovation, testing and customer impact sit at the heart of what you do?

If this sounds like you, a leading specialist distributor and innovation partner within the highways and infrastructure sector is looking for an R&D Engineer to join its growing product development team.

About the Company

This is a respected, high-growth business operating across the UK, Ireland and Europe, known for challenging traditional, carbon-intensive methods with safer, more sustainable alternatives. Innovation is central to everything they do, from collaborating with manufacturers and universities to supporting contractors directly on site. Their in-house R&D engineering team plays a pivotal role in shaping next-generation materials, machines and application methods.

What’s the role about?

This is a genuinely hands-on R&D and product development role, not an administrative desk job. You’ll work across multiple live and in-development projects, owning testing, prototyping and technical support while collaborating with clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders.

You can expect to be:

• Driving innovation across materials, spray technologies and specialist equipment
• Supporting clients through training, demonstrations and on-site testing
• Translating real-world feedback into product improvements and new solutions
• Working flexibly, including travel across the UK and Europe

Key Responsibilities:

• Run product demonstrations and technical presentations linked to product development
• Train clients on correct application of materials and specialist spray machinery
• Attend and support on-site testing and trials
• Carry out practical testing and prototyping of new products
• Report on test results and create technical documentation
• Conduct market research and competitive product analysis
• Source potential product solutions and development partners
• Collaborate with laboratories and universities on development projects

Requirements

You’ll be someone who brings:

• Proven experience working with paint systems, spray technologies or spraying equipment
• A relevant degree (or postgraduate qualification) in industrial paints, chemicals or similar is advantageous
• Experience in industrial or contracting environments with stakeholder-facing projects (automotive, chemicals, paints, aerospace, fire safety related products)
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• A driven, energetic and proactive approach
• The ability to travel freely across the UK and Europe (full UK right to work required)
• European language skills (highly advantageous, but not essential)

Benefits

What’s in it for you?

• Impact: Be at the forefront of developing safer, more sustainable infrastructure solutions
• Variety: A mix of lab work, field testing, client engagement and European collaboration
• Growth: Join a growing R&D function with scope to develop leadership and project ownership
• Reward: £45,000- £50,000 base salary plus bonus
• Exposure: Work closely with manufacturers, universities and industry specialists

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