Research Engineer – Laser Processing (Advanced Machining)
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The Vacancy
At the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), we're developing the next generation of manufacturing technologies that help transform UK industry. As part of our Advanced Machining team, you'll play a key role in developing and optimising innovative laser processing solutions for some of the most technically demanding applications across aerospace, automotive, defence, rail, and other high-value sectors.
About MTC
The Manufacturing Technology Centre is one of the UK's leading research and technology organisations, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Working alongside world-class engineers, scientists and technicians, you'll have access to some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world while contributing to technologies that help manufacturers innovate, improve productivity and remain globally competitive.
The Opportunity
As a Research Engineer – Laser Processing, you'll be at the heart of developing advanced laser machining technologies. This is a highly practical role where you'll spend significant time working directly with laser systems, tooling, components and measurement equipment, supporting projects from initial process trials through to final validation and delivery. [HR-013-F2_...h_20102026 ¦ Word]
You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, test and optimise laser manufacturing processes, helping turn engineering challenges into robust industrial solutions.
What You'll Be Doing
- Setting up, operating and supporting advanced laser processing equipment
- Planning and conducting experimental trials to develop and optimise laser machining processes
- Manufacturing and processing test pieces, demonstrators and customer components
- Analysing experimental data and identifying opportunities for process improvement
- Troubleshooting equipment, process and component-quality issues
- Producing technical reports, presentations and project deliverables
- Supporting the delivery of research and development programmes to quality, cost and schedule requirements
- Contributing to the continuous improvement of equipment, methods and technical capability within the Laser Processing team
- Working safely within specialist laser processing facilities and adhering to all relevant procedures and standards
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science or a related discipline
- Practical engineering experience within manufacturing, R&D, laboratory or technical environments
- Strong hands-on engineering skills and experience operating complex equipment
- Experience planning experiments, analysing results and refining processes
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
- Experience analysing manufacturing, measurement or experimental data
- Excellent communication and technical reporting skills
- A collaborative approach and commitment to health and safety
Desirable
- Laser machining or laser materials processing experience
- Knowledge of laser-material interactions and laser process optimisation
- Experience with pulsed laser technologies (nanosecond, picosecond or femtosecond systems)
- CNC, robotics, automation or multi-axis manufacturing experience
- Metrology, inspection or surface characterisation experience
- CAD/CAM knowledge
- Experience working on industrial research and development projects
- Understanding of laser safety and high-power laser environments
Please be aware that many roles working for MTC will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation.
All candidates must meet Right to Work in the UK criteria and achieve the required security and clearance requirements to undertake this role which will be shared with you upon application.
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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