Materials Science Technologist Degree Apprentice

Parker Meggitt

Loughborough (LE12 9EQ)

Closes on Monday 6 April 2026

Posted on 10 February 2026

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Summary

The purpose of this role is to train a future materials subject matter expert within the Polymer Seals and UK Composites Division.
Day to day the applicant will work on a number of state-of-the-art polymer and composite research and development projects. 

• Wage:

  £18,026 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Apprentice salaries increase annually with experience and are reviewed each September. Apprentices are also included in Parker Meggitt's bonus scheme, receiving a minimum of 2.5%, which may increase depending on overall company performance.

• Training course: Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)
• Hours: Your contracted hours each week throughout your apprenticeship will be 37 hours Monday - Thursday 8.30am-5pm Friday 8.30am-1.30pm

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 7 September 2026

• Duration:

  4 years

• Positions available:

  2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Work will include workshop, laboratory and office-based activities. This could include producing prototype parts, testing samples, CAD design and desk-based research along with any other research and development activities. Work will include interacting with customers and suppliers and attending meetings.

Where you'll work

Ashby Road
Shepshed
Loughborough
LE12 9EQ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

UNIVERSITY OF DERBY

Training course

Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
• Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
• Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
• Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
• Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
• Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
• Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
• Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
• Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.
• Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
• Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
• Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
• Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
• Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
• Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
• Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
• Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
• Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.

Training schedule

Alongside your day role, you will work to complete your apprenticeship with your external training provider. You will be given 20% off the job hours, this will give you the knowledge, training and external approval to do your job effectively.

 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level in:

• Another Subject (grade C or above)
• Mathematics (grade C or above)
• STEM Subject (grade C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative

Other requirements

• Be at least 18 years old when the apprenticeship begins
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Have been a UK/EU/EAA resident for at least the past three years prior to starting the apprenticeship
• Have completed full-time education before the apprenticeship is due to start

About this employer

Parker Meggitt is a business segment of Parker Aerospace. At Parker Aerospace, we develop technologies and innovative solutions that enable reliable, efficient and increasingly sustainable flight, for the lifecycle of the aircraft, including aftermarket support. Our passionate people, together with our breadth of differentiated technologies, ensure that we make the extraordinary happen and continue to shape the future of aviation in partnership with our customers. Joining our team means you're helping to deliver our purpose of 'Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow'. A career at Parker Meggitt offers boundless potential for professional and personal growth. You will work alongside the brightest minds in the world, help develop innovative technology and products, and contribute to our company's goal of solving the world's greatest engineering challenges. We have succeeded in employing the top talent in the industry by focusing our hiring efforts on the individual, not the job description. If you are an inquisitive thinker with great ideas and a desire to succeed, we will find the perfect spot for you on our team.

Company benefits

• 25 days annual leave with the option to buy and sell
• Pension scheme and generous life assurance
• Work laptop provided
• Access to health and wellbeing support
• Access to employee discounts
• Cycle to work scheme

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the programme, and subject to performance, you may have the opportunity to move into a permanent role within the team or business area where you completed your apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

UNIVERSITY OF DERBY

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000014153.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 6 April 2026

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.