Materials Engineer

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Materials Engineer or Geotechnical Engineer to join our team and play a vital role in the successful delivery of civil engineering projects. Working for a Tier 1 contractor, you will ensure material compliance with project specifications and industry standards while also identifying and sourcing alternative materials that meet performance, environmental, and economic requirements. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise in materials / geotechnical engineering within a dynamic, project-driven environment.

John Sisk & Son have been building excellence as a family-owned international construction company by offering trust, certainty and value to our clients whilst being at the heart of change.    

Materials Engineers are responsible for sourcing, testing, and assessing construction materials to ensure they are suitable for use in building foundations and structures. They provide expert guidance on the best materials to use for a project, considering their physical and mechanical properties, environmental impact, project costs, and timelines. The candidate should ideally have experience in geotechnical materials, pavement construction and concrete and an understanding of contaminated ground conditions.

Material Compliance and Specifications

• Review project requirements from Works Information, SHW (Specification for Highway Works), and other relevant specifications.
• Provide guidance on proposed amendments, derogations, and compliance requirements.
• Analyse environmental constraints and integrate them into material specifications and requirements.
• Advise on design material specifications and assist projects with Material Approval processes.
  
  
  

Coordination and Execution

• Develop and coordinate material specifications, Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) requirements, and supply chain materials management during project mobilization and execution.
• Refine and implement delivery strategies and logistical plans for earthworks and concrete, addressing material-related issues.
• Collaborate with environmental and carbon teams to meet carbon reduction targets.
  
  
  

Testing and Assurance

• Develop and refine testing requirements, schedules, and scopes for on-site and off-site activities ensuring project specifications are adhered to as a minimum.
• Liaise with testing facilities, and advise on procurement of testing companies, and subcontractor selection.
• Work with company templates for testing, technical assurance, and test record databases.
• Review technical assurance requirements, procedures, templates, and documentation for quality compliance.
  
  
  

Engagement and Support

• Work closely with the supply chain, subcontractors, and internal engineering, procurement, and construction teams.
• Support recruitment efforts for specialist staff in testing, materials management, and assurance.
• Engage with the Testing House team to ensure alignment with project requirements and maintain a detailed requirements register.
  
  
  

Environment and Sustainability

• Implement the company Environment and Sustainability policies and processes as they pertain to material use and testing.
• Compliance with company, statutory and project-specific environmental and sustainability requirements.
  

Required Qualifications, Skills, Behaviours, and Attributes

Education and Experience

• HND, HNC, or NVQ in a relevant subject is beneficial.
• A degree in Civil Engineering, Materials, or Earthworks is desirable.
• Significant experience in material testing, preferably in a senior role.
  
  
  

Skills

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Reliable with excellent time management and organizational abilities.
  
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

• A full, valid driving license is appreciated.
• Preferably holds an industry-accredited safety certification, such as CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme).
  
  
  

Preferred Characteristics

• A proactive and problem-solving mindset.
• Experience working in collaborative, dynamic and sometimes deadline-driven environments.
• A commitment to health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Competitive Salary  
• Company Car or Car Allowance
• 26 days holiday (option to purchase 5 more)   
• Employer pension    
• Competitive mileage rate    
• Travel expenses    
• Flexible and remote working    
• Enhanced parental leave    
• Professional and Educational development    
  
  
  

   

   

Our people are at the heart of our success and our proposition to them is work with purpose, have time for life, build a career with no limits and surround yourself with great people.    

   

Our Internal Recruitment Team fulfil all vacancies on a direct basis. Unsolicited contact by unapproved agencies (sharing speculative CVs) will not be accepted and introductory fees will not apply.   

   

• The full job specification is available on request    
  
  
  

   

At Sisk we are committed to attracting and hiring diverse talent into our organisation. We know the confidence gap and imposter phenomenon can get in the way of meeting remarkable candidates. We also know that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often don't apply for roles if they don't feel they meet all the criteria. Give your transferable skills the chance to tell the full story. It’s not all about your technical expertise. Don’t hold back, we’d love to hear from you.