Materials Engineer

£56,000 - £65,000 + up to 6% Bonus

About Us

At National Gas, the work we do matters.

As Britain's national gas network, we help keep the lights on, businesses running, and homes warm by maintaining the critical infrastructure that transports gas across Great Britain. While providing the energy security Britain relies on today, we're also helping transform the network for a clean energy future.

Join us and help secure Britain's energy.

About the Role

As part of our journey to a cleaner future, National Gas is investing in major hydrogen projects to help decarbonise the energy system. One key initiative is Project Union, which plans to convert up to 2,000 km of existing pipelines into a dedicated hydrogen network across the UK. We are also partnering on East Coast Hydrogen aiming to connect 11GW or hydrogen production by 2030 as well as supporting large scale storage and demand across the East Coast and Midlands. These projects will just be the start. 

As a Materials Engineer you will provide technical expertise and assurance in the design, modification and integrity assessments of hydrogen gas transmission pipelines and installations. As part of the Design Authority, the role ensures compliance with legislation, industry standards and National Gas Specifications supporting safety, reliability and sustainability.  

What You'll Do

• Provide engineering input to the technical authority for materials and corrosion matters in asset design, assessment and life extension projects. 

• Develop the National Gas material specifications for hydrogen pipelines and above ground assets.  

• Ensure National Gas specifications related to materials are up to date with the latest national and international specifications. 

• Review and assure material compatibility and integrity assessments for re-purposing natural gas pipelines to hydrogen service including fracture toughness and fatigue assessments. 

• Provide engineering input into the design of hydrogen pipelines and above ground plant and equipment and ensure regulatory compliance. Ensure material compliance with relevant codes e.g. IGEM/TD/1, ASME B31.12, API SPEC 5L.


• Conduct condition assessments of existing assets to determine fitness for service and agree remedial actions or mitigation strategies. 

• Lead or support materials related technical studies and ensure outputs are aligned to business requirements. 

• Support innovation and R&D, particularly in materials performance in hydrogen and decarbonisation contexts. 

• Contribute to multidisciplinary engineering assessments, providing balanced risk-based recommendations aligned with business needs and safety standards. 

• Review and assure design documentation associated with material engineering for example, pipeline material selection, wall thickness requirements, stress analysis. 

• Contribute to Formal Process Safety Assessments in the area of Material Engineering. 

Why this role matters

As a Materials Engineer, you will play a critical role in enabling the safe and reliable transition of the gas network to hydrogen. Acting as a technical authority for materials and corrosion, you will ensure the integrity, fitness-for-service and regulatory compliance of pipelines and above-ground assets.

Through developing specifications, assessing material performance, supporting innovation, and providing expert assurance on hydrogen infrastructure projects, you will help National Gas deliver a safe, sustainable and resilient energy network while supporting the UK's decarbonisation ambitions.

About You

An experienced Materials Engineer with expertise in materials selection, life assessment, and managing material degradation risks. Provides technical justification for materials, welding procedures, and supplier approvals, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective engineering solutions across long-term net zero projects extending into the mid-2030s.

A collaborative technical leader who works with multidisciplinary engineering teams, contractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders to resolve complex materials challenges. Experienced in presenting technical recommendations to senior leadership, leading specialist investigations, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement within the materials engineering discipline.

Essential

• Incorporated Engineer (or working towards) with a recognised professional body e.g. IOM3, IMechE. 

• Understanding of metallurgy, welding, corrosion, coatings and degradation mechanisms under pressurised and high-temperature service. 

• Knowledge of applicable industry codes e.g. ASME, BS EN, ISO and regulatory standards such as PSSR and PED. 

• Experience in high pressure pipelines and/or plant in energy, oil & gas, utilities sectors or related industries. 

• Familiarity with hydrogen and low carbon fuels, impact on materials is highly desirable. 

• Experienced in writing clear technical documentation and presenting findings to varied audiences. 

Desirable

• Degree qualified in mechanical engineering, pipeline engineering or a related discipline. 

Security clearance

This role is subject to National Security Vetting (NSV). Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance (SC) throughout their employment. For further information, visit www.gov.uk (UK Security Vetting: Clearance Levels).

Inclusive Recruitment

We're building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, championing diversity and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution.

We support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

National Gas is a Disability Confident employer and signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.