About Concrete Canvas
Concrete Canvas is the global leader in cementitious geosynthetic composite materials, supplying innovative engineering solutions to customers worldwide. Our award-winning products are used across civil engineering, mining, defence, water management, petrochemical and environmental projects, providing more sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete construction methods.
Research and development is central to our success. Our R&D team plays a key role in developing new products, improving existing technologies, solving technical challenges and supporting customers across the globe.
The Role
We are looking for a Materials R&D Scientist to join our Research & Development team.
As the company's materials specialist, you will undertake the scientific investigation and development of our products and materials. Your work will include developing new materials and products, improving manufacturing processes, investigating material quality issues, providing materials technical support, and collaborating with suppliers to develop new materials.
The role offers a diverse range of technical challenges, combining laboratory experimentation, data analysis, manufacturing trials and supplier collaboration. It is well suited to someone who enjoys taking ownership of projects, solving real engineering problems through scientific thinking, and carrying out hands-on experimental work.
We welcome applications from recent graduates through to early-career professionals looking to develop their career within industrial materials research and development.
Key Responsibilities
· Design, plan and carry out laboratory experiments and product development trials
· Develop and improve materials, products and manufacturing processes
· Investigate product quality and manufacturing issues using a structured scientific approach
· Analyse experimental data, then record and communicate findings efficiently and effectively
· Develop and improve laboratory test methods
· Support the transfer of new developments into manufacturing
· Work with suppliers to develop materials, including technical discussion, relationship management and commercial negotiation from an R&D perspective
· Provide technical support to Sales and develop technical solutions for customer requirements
· Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Logistics and Leadership
· Maintain accurate laboratory records, technical documentation, and material sample libraries
· Ensure laboratory work is carried out safely and in accordance with company procedures
What We're Looking For
You are naturally curious and enjoy understanding how materials behave and solving technical problems through scientific investigation. You are comfortable working independently while collaborating with colleagues across multiple disciplines, and you enjoy both hands-on experimentation and technical analysis.
Essential Requirements
· Bachelor's degree (minimum) in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or a closely related discipline with significant materials content
· Strong understanding of materials science principles
· Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
· Ability to design and plan scientific investigations
· Strong written and verbal communication skills
· Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
· Comfortable working independently and within multidisciplinary teams
· Comfortable undertaking practical laboratory and workshop-based work
Desirable Skills & Experience
Experience or knowledge in the following is highly desirable:
· Materials selection and design
· Product development and improvement
· Polymers
· Woven and nonwoven textiles
· Geosynthetics
· Cement and concrete technology
· Composite materials
· Laboratory test method development
· Root cause investigation and failure analysis
· Heat transfer and thermal processing
· Hot air and hot wedge welding equipment
· Experimental design and statistical analysis
· Practical workshop skills, including designing or fabricating simple jigs or test equipment
Working Environment
This is a predominantly onsite role based at our manufacturing facility in Pontyclun, South Wales.
The role combines laboratory work, manufacturing support, office-based technical work and occasional workshop activities. Appropriate PPE is required and will be supplied during laboratory and manufacturing activities.
What We Offer
· Competitive salary
· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
· Free daily lunches provided by a local supplier
· Modern laboratory and R&D facilities
· Opportunity to work on globally recognised, award-winning technology
· Supportive and experienced technical team
· Company social events throughout the year
· Excellent opportunities for professional development
Concrete Canvas is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds.
