R&D Engineer; industrial paints & chemicals

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

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)

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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