Materials Engineer
Portishead/ Bristol
Talented people are the key to our success.
We are seeking an experienced and ambitious Materials Engineer to join our team on the MetroWest project—an exciting programme that will convert a freight line to passenger use and reinstate the disused route between Bristol and Portishead. This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further develop their expertise and take on increasing levels of responsibility. Delivered for Network Rail, the £80m MetroWest programme will provide a significant enhancement to the regional rail network and plays a key part in improving transport connectivity across the area.
Role Responsibilities
- Manage all materials testing, bulk materials movements, and placement.
- Research material properties and assess new material combinations.
- Evaluate materials under varying conditions and analyse data using modelling tools.
- Support development of prototypes and manufacturing processes involving new materials.
- Investigate component or structural failures and provide technical recommendations.
- Supervise and support technicians, ensuring high‑quality outputs.
- Prepare clear technical reports for project managers and clients.
- Audit and verify bulk material suppliers; monitor quality of materials delivered.
- Approve material sources and suppliers in line with project requirements.
- Establish and manage testing and monitoring plans for materials and workmanship.
- Oversee implementation of company systems, procedures, and third‑party testing.
- Measure and report compliance with required standards and specifications.
- Monitor waste‑disposal processes for bulk materials.
- Contribute to value engineering during project stages.
- Promote strong health, safety, and environmental compliance standards.
- Review and verify all testing completed by subcontractors.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
- Fully versed in ISO 17025 requirements
- Experience working within site laboratories.
- Approved auditor with strong understanding of laboratory and materials compliance standards
- Experience working with earthworks, aggregates, concrete, and asphalt materials.
- Strong risk management and quality management experience related to materials approvals.
- Skilled in analysis of test results and identification of materials trends within Rail sectors
- Experience in the management and training of technicians
- Competent in the management of subcontract packages
- BTEC HNC/HND or a relevant degree in materials engineering, materials science, materials technology, applied chemistry or applied physics.
What is in it for you?
Below is a selection of benefits that are available to you at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure.
- Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy five days.
- Flexible and adaptable working
- Family friendly policies and work/life approach
- Mentoring programmes and continuous learning support
- Contributory pension scheme
- Annual bonus scheme
- Recognition scheme and long service awards
- Car scheme and Private Medical Insurance (if applicable to role)
- We also provide the option to participate in our share-save scheme; discounts including cycle to work and gym membership; a support and advice service for colleagues and their families, and more.
About the Rail Business Unit
Millions of people rely on Britain’s rail network to take them safely and efficiently across the country every day. Morgan Sindall helps this happen by providing renewed and enhanced rail infrastructure with the minimum of passenger disruption.
Our customers receive a multi-disciplined service covering electrification, power supply, tunnelling and a full range of civil engineering and building capabilities including structures, lineside infrastructure, and station enhancements. This is complemented by track and signalling works from our supply chain partners to provide a complete rail offering.
Our expertise is focused not only on effective delivery of projects within a railway environment, but also on minimising disruption for railway users through the adoption of innovative working practices and techniques. These include ‘live launch’ bridge construction, in which we can install bridges while allowing railways beneath to remain operational.
From landmark station refurbishment projects and platform extensions to tunnelling works and bridge launches, we have a record of delivering rail projects that are helping to provide a rail network fit for the 21st century.
Morgan Sindall is an equal opportunities employer and has been accredited with the Positive About Disabled People ‘Two Ticks’ accreditation. We are also an Investors in People company.
Morgan Sindall is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.