Capua
Junior Engineer
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Leading Innovative Smart Materials Start-Up | Junior Engineer | Cambridge | £32-35K
About the Company:
Our partner, a leading Cambridge spin-out, is dedicated to revolutionizing the construction industry through the development and commercialization of innovative self-healing concrete technology. Their groundbreaking solutions aim to automatically repair concrete cracks, minimizing structural damage and reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements. By extending the lifespan of concrete structures and optimizing construction practices, their technology contributes to a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions. They are now expanding their team and looking for a talented Junior Engineer to join their team in Cambridge.
About the Role:
They are now looking for a hands-on Junior Engineer to join their R&D team and help bring cutting-edge self-healing concrete technology from the lab into real-world infrastructure applications. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious graduate or early-career candidate with a background in materials science, chemistry, polymer science, chemical engineering or a related field. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical laboratory work, testing new materials, solving technical problems and seeing how scientific research can be turned into something commercially useful. You will be involved in bench-scale experiments, materials screening, data analysis and technical documentation, gaining exposure to advanced materials, construction technology and sustainability-focused innovation from an early stage.
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Responsibilities:
- Conduct exploratory research to identify suitable chemical and material solutions based on performance criteria and operating conditions.
- Design and run laboratory experiments to evaluate candidate materials and formulations.
- Support bench-scale screening to assess durability, curing behaviour, adhesion, stability and material performance.
- Carry out practical testing and analysis, potentially including rheology, viscosity, contact angle, curing, adhesion and stability testing.
- Interpret experimental and materials-characterisation data, then link results back to real-world infrastructure performance requirements.
- Support integrated testing with the company’s existing self-healing concrete technology in simulated service environments.
- Engage with suppliers to gather SDS documents, technical datasheets and formulation information.
- Assess whether materials are best prepared by suppliers or mixed in-house.
- Prepare clear documentation of experimental methods, results, findings and recommendations.
- Support laboratory safety and compliance processes, including COSHH documentation where required.
- Work closely with the technical team in a small, fast-moving R&D environment.
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Requirements:
- PhD or Master's Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Engineering or a related subject.
- Hands-on laboratory experience, either through industry, university research, a placement, a PhD or a technical laboratory role.
- Strong interest in experimental materials development and applied R&D.
- Experience with one or more of the following would be relevant: polymers, resins, composites, adhesives, coatings, cement, concrete, cementitious materials or construction materials.
- Understanding of materials chemistry, curing behaviour, polymerisation, adhesion or durability would be beneficial.
- Comfortable working practically in a laboratory environment.
- Able to work independently, document results clearly and communicate findings to a technical team.
Compensation and benefits:
- Competitive salary.
- Room for progression as the company scales.
- Opportunity to join an innovative advanced materials start-up at an early stage.
- Hands-on role working on real-world sustainability and infrastructure challenges.
- Exposure to self-healing concrete, smart materials and construction technology.
- Close collaboration with an experienced technical team.
- Largely in-person, laboratory-based role in Cambridge.
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