Vacancy Title: Materials Technologist
Vacancy Location: Dunmurry
Engagement Type: Permanent
The Role:
Here at Survitec, we are currently recruiting for a Materials Technologist to join our Engineering team.
Key responsibilities for the Materials Technologist role include but are not limited to:
Testing & Quality Assurance
Performing mechanical testing (e.g., tensile strength, elongation, ply adhesion, seam strength).
Conducting chemical resistance and environmental exposure tests (e.g., UV, salt spray, hydrolysis resistance).
Ensuring compliance with ISO, ASTM, and industry-specific standards.
Liaise with external test facilities as necessary.
Maintain / ensure Laboratory and associated activity is compliant to the appropriate regulatory standard.
Product Development
Working with suppliers to assess new materials and improve cost-efficiency.
Developing and validating alternative materials for cost savings and performance improvements.
Investigating failure modes in materials and recommending design improvements.
Supporting innovation projects.
Manufacturing & Process Support
Providing technical support to production teams on material processing and handling.
Troubleshooting issues with welding, lamination, weaving and adhesives in manufacturing.
Supporting supply chain teams in material sourcing, qualification, and approval.
Documentation & Compliance
Writing technical reports, test summaries, and supplier evaluations.
Supporting approval processes for new materials with regulatory bodies.
About You:
Understanding of textile engineering, specifically coated fabrics used in life rafts.
Knowledge of synthetic fibres preferable (e.g., nylon, polyester) and their mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.
Familiarity with adhesion and bonding technologies, including polyurethane coatings, RF welding, Hot air welding and solvent-based bonding.
Experience with webbing, ropes, and high-strength fibres (e.g., Dyneema, Kevlar) used in marine applications.
Ability to apply understanding of marine regulatory standards (e.g., SOLAS, MED, ISO 9650, MSC.81(70)) affecting material selection.
Problem-solving mindset to tackle material-related failures and inefficiencies.
Collaboration with engineering, supply chain, and quality teams.
Ability to work in a regulated, safety-critical environment.
Attention to detail when analysing test data and compliance documents.
Strong communication skills – to outsource testing & liaison with other laboratories.
Experience and qualifications:
Essential:
Significant practical experience of working in a Materials Technology, Manufacturing or Laboratory environment in a technical-related role
A working knowledge of Quality Systems and Procedures
Microsoft Office proficient
Desirable:
Experience working in a regulated, safety-critical environment
Clear communication skills
Strong attention to detail
Excels at time and priority management
Why You Should Work for Us
33 days holiday entitlement (including bank holidays)
Flexible / Hybrid working arrangements
Additional day off to celebrate your birthday
Company Anniversary Holiday Benefit
Excellent enhanced maternity & paternity package
Cycle to Work Scheme
Life Assurance
Training & Professional Development
Employee Assistance Programme
Workplace Reward & Recognition scheme
Who are Survitec and what do we do?
Survitec are the world’s largest survival technology provider. For over 166 years, we have been protecting lives in the air, on land and at sea, through the design, manufacture, and servicing of Survival Technology. Today, we are a global community of 3,000 professionals with presence in 96 countries partnering with our customers to provide innovative solutions that reduce risk and help keep you safe.
That's why the world's leading maritime; defence & government, energy and aerospace organisations trust us when it matters most and why we have been awarded the Gold Award by the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
How to Apply
Please note, we do not accept direct applications via email nor do we accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies.
Survitec is an equal opportunities employer. Our diverse global workforce protects lives, every single day. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture where our people feel valued, appreciated, and free to be who they are at work. Because, to provide service and excellence to our customers we must mirror their diversity. But more importantly because it is the right thing to do.
At Survitec, we want you to have the best possible interview experience with us and we are also committed to creating an inclusive environment. We are happy to make any necessary accommodations to ensure you can showcase your skills to the best of your ability, should you require any reasonable adjustments, please don't hesitate to let us know.
