Advanced Research Engineer – Laser Machining
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The Vacancy
Location: Coventry, UK
Salary: £42,000–£48,000 per annum (DOE)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 36 hours per week ¦ 4‑day working week ¦ Flexible working ¦ Up to 2 days hybrid
Benefits: Vitality medical cover, pension scheme, Tusker car scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme & more
About Us
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is a world-renowned research and development organisation, uniquely positioned between academia and industry to accelerate innovation in advanced manufacturing. Our engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment anywhere in the world, supporting companies across sectors including aerospace, automotive, rail, electronics, infrastructure, food & drink, oil and gas.
With state-of-the-art facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and as part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the MTC plays a vital role in helping businesses improve efficiency, capability and competitiveness through innovative technological solutions.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an Advanced Research Engineer (ARE) to join our Laser Processing team, specialising in subtractive laser machining processes such as cutting, drilling and precision material removal.
This role is ideal for early- to mid‑career engineers who enjoy hands‑on experimentation, problem solving, and pushing the boundaries of what laser machining technologies can do. You will deliver technical project work packages, collaborate with industry and academic partners, and contribute to shaping future research and capability development.
A clear progression pathway is in place, supporting your development towards Senior Research Engineer level.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Delivery
- Deliver defined technical work packages independently and on time.
- Act as Technical Lead on smaller projects where appropriate.
- Conduct hands‑on laser machining experiments including setup, testing and analysis.
- Apply expertise in laser–material interactions to optimise cutting, drilling and precision removal processes.
Research & Innovation
- Explore emerging laser machining methods through applied research.
- Generate ideas for new capabilities within the Laser Processing team.
Collaboration & Engagement
- Work closely with industrial, academic and Catapult partners.
- Present technical findings through reports, presentations and meetings.
- Represent MTC at conferences, customer visits or technical forums.
Progression & Development
- Grow towards influencing research direction and capability development.
- Follow structured career progression pathways aligned with your interests and strengths.
About You
Essential Skills & Experience
- Degree or PhD in engineering, physics, materials science or a related field.
- Practical exposure to laser-based manufacturing processes.
- Understanding of laser–material interactions.
- Strong hands‑on approach to experimental work and problem solving.
- Able to manage and deliver defined technical tasks effectively.
- Strong interpersonal, organisational and technical communication skills.
Desirable Experience
- Experience with laser machining technologies.
- Experience presenting or publishing technical work.
- Awareness of the UK manufacturing sector or UK/EU funding landscape.
- Interest in progressing toward professional registration.
Working Environment & Benefits
- 4‑day working week option
- Hybrid working up to 2 days per week
- Access to world‑class labs and cutting‑edge laser machining equipment
- Supportive, collaborative engineering environment
- Strong emphasis on coaching, development and structured career growth
About The MTC
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation, bridging the gap between academia and manufacturing, and is home to some of the brightest minds in engineering from around the globe.
The MTC's engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world in a supportive and collegiate environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers of all sizes develop new and innovative processes and technologies.
Established to prove cutting edge manufacturing advances in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, the MTC works with hundreds of industrial clients across a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food and drink, infrastructure, construction and civil engineering, electronics, oil and gas and defence. The MTC helps businesses thrive by advancing their technological and engineering capabilities to improve their business efficiency, capability and competitiveness.
Supported by one of the largest public sector investments in UK Manufacturing, the MTC's engineering capabilities cover research and development, advanced manufacturing management, factory design and training for the skills of the future.
The MTC has world-class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and is part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.
Reference Checks and Security Checks (where applicable)
Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.
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