Catalyst R&D
Senior Technical Expert
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Base Salary: up to £70,000 FTE
Part-time 3-4 days per week
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Engineer to join our growing team.
You will play a central role in delivering high quality technical insight and ensuring our clients feel supported as they navigate their innovation funding. You will work closely with our clients’ engineers, founders and technical teams across a range of disciplines acting, interpreting and collaborating using insights to articulate the technological advancements behind their projects to ensure claims for R&D tax credits, Patent Box and grant applications remain accurate, robust and align with HMRC requirements.
Working closely with our delivery teams, you will take ownership of the technical discovery process from initial engagement through to final documentation, building trusted relationships and contributing to a smooth, confident client experience.
This is a flexible role, suited to an engineering professional looking to apply their broad technical skillset in a meaningful client-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Discovery & Client Engagement
- You will lead structured technical interviews with clients across mechanical, civil, structural, manufacturing and wider engineering disciplines, extracting and evidencing the technological and scientific uncertainties that underpin their activities.
- You will build trusted relationships by developing a clear understanding of each client’s technology, challenges and working practices.
- You will also visit sites, where required, to validate technical inputs.
Technical Narrative Development
- A key part of the role will be production of clear, accurate and compelling technical narratives for R&D Tax Credits, Patent Box and Grant applications, using AI-supported tools to enhance the drafting process while retaining full responsibility for accuracy, robustness and alignment with HMRC guidelines.
- You will ensure all documentation reflects genuine technological advancement and the real engineering effort involved.
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Commercial & Project Insight
- Commercially astute, you will assess clients’ qualifying activities in tandem with budgetary viability and resource use, to ensure that all claims are credible, grounded and proportionate.
- You will contribute to strong internal quality control by identifying gaps, risks or inconsistencies within technical submissions and helping maintain Catalyst’s high standards at all times.
Internal Collaboration
- The role requires close cooperation with the internal delivery team to support project timelines, ensuring a smooth and confident progression from technical discovery through to final documentation.
- You will share specialist knowledge across the wider Catalyst team and take part in peer reviews to strengthen overall technical capability.
Continuous Improvement
- Feedback and recommendations are a constructive part of improving technical processes, documentation and standards and overall client satisfaction.
- You will remain up to date with changes in R&D tax legislation, sector developments and emerging technologies, ensuring your work remains accurate, informed and current.
Location:
Our offices are based in South Gloucestershire, and for team members who are local, we enjoy spending time together in the office and believe it adds real value to collaboration and learning. However, we are proud that we don’t set office days and actively support flexible ways of working, as most of all we value the right people with the right desire to learn and develop.
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We welcome applications from both local and remote candidates and care far more about the right fit than geography.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
- 26 days holiday plus an additional day off for your birthday.
- Above market 7% matched pension contributions.
- Health and wellness benefits.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Flexible working hours and remote work options.
Skills & Qualifications
Education
- Degree in a relevant Engineering discipline.
Experience
- Demonstrable experience across core and affiliated technical disciplines.
- Strong background in problem solving, technical investigation and the practical delivery of engineering projects.
- Experience in engaging with technical teams, business founders and project stakeholders.
Skills
- Commercial awareness centred on understanding how engineering projects are costed and delivered.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to identify and verify genuine technological advancement.
- Confident communication skills and comfortable with leading fast-paced technical discussions.
- Ability to translate technological and scientific details into clear and well-structured narratives suitable for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Comfortable using AI tools to enhance workflows.
- The ability to balance both independent and collaborative working.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
How to Apply
Email a CV and cover letter to careers@catalystrd.co.uk
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