Jones studied at the University of Warwick from 1988 to 1997, receiving a BSc in Physics (1991), an MSc in Materials Characterisation (1993), and a PhD titled Synthesis and Tribology of Sialon / TiB2 Ceramic Composite (1997).
[2] Jones worked from 2008 to 2012 on UK Ministry of Defence-funded research into novel light-weight ceramic composite materials for personal armour,[1] which in turn extended into armour-piercing ammunition, as well as kiln surfaces and high-wear industrial fittings.
In 2016, Jones co-founded, with Cóilín Ó Dubhghaill and others, Mikana Innovations Ltd., a spin-off based on joint work between Sheffield Hallam University and Rotary Engineering Ltd.; he is today a director.
This company produces a hybrid alloy, mikana, based on Japanese craft techniques, suitable for volume production for the making of jewellery and other luxury items, and hollowware.
[10] The ceramics work has led to material advances in the making of personal armour and kiln lining, while mikana has properties similar to mokume gane while being more manageable and affordable.