Special Process Engineer – Aerospace

ALTENis a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

We are seeking an experiencedSpecial Process Engineer to join a leading aerospace organisation in Derby. Working within the Materials Laboratory and Quality function, you will be responsible for the control, development, and continuous improvement of special processes, ensuring compliance with aerospace standards and customer requirements.

This role is ideal for an engineer with significant aerospace experience and a strong background in chemical processing, metallurgical analysis, quality systems, and NADCAP-regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Control and support chemical processing activities across manufacturing operations.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory procedures, data cards, process specifications, and work instructions.
• Provide training and technical support to shop floor personnel.
• Perform chemical analysis and maintain processing tank controls.
• Manage effluent testing and environmental compliance activities.
• Support NADCAP accreditation and customer audit preparation.
• Conduct internal quality audits and support corrective action activities.
• Prepare and analyse metallographic samples related to:
  • Welding
  • Brazing
  • Coatings
  • Alpha case evaluation
  • Laser cutting
• Carry out hardness testing and interpret results.
• Produce technical reports and engineering substantiation documentation.
• Support COSHH assessments and EHS initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement across special process and laboratory activities.

Required Skills:

• Experience within the aerospace industry.
• Strong background in special processes, materials engineering, metallurgy, or chemical processing.
• Experience working within a laboratory, quality, or manufacturing engineering environment.
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting NADCAP and customer audits.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work effectively with Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams.

Required Qualifications:

• ABachelor’s orMaster’s degree inEngineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• AS9100 and NADCAP experience.
• Understanding of aerospace coatings, welding, brazing, and metallurgical testing.
• Lead Auditor training or quality auditing experience.

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.