The Research Engineer (Laser Processing - Welding & Joining) will contribute to the development, optimisation and industrialisation of advanced laser welding and joining technologies for a broad range of industrial sectors, including aerospace, defence, energy, automotive and emerging manufacturing applications. The role involves planning and conducting experimental programmes, developing robust manufacturing processes, analysing data, and supporting the delivery of collaborative and industrial research projects. The successful candidate will work closely with customers, technology specialists and project teams to solve complex engineering challenges and help accelerate the adoption of innovative manufacturing technologies. The role aligns with MTC's focus on delivering research and technology development programmes for industrial clients and collaborative R&D partners.
The successful candidate will be expected to support all aspects of project delivery, including experimental design, process development, equipment operation, data analysis, technical reporting and dissemination of results. They will contribute to the development of new technical capabilities, support proposal generation for future research opportunities, and engage with industrial stakeholders to ensure that project outcomes deliver measurable impact. The position offers an excellent opportunity to develop technical expertise whilst contributing to world-class manufacturing innovation.
Main Responsibilities:
-
Deliver technical work packages within industrial and collaborative R&D projects focused on laser welding, joining and related manufacturing processes.
-
Design, plan and execute experimental programmes to develop, optimise and validate laser welding and joining processes.
-
Analyse experimental data and interpret results to support technical decision-making and process improvement.
-
Produce high-quality technical reports, presentations and project deliverables for customers and funding bodies.
-
Support the delivery of projects to agreed scope, quality, budget and schedule requirements.
-
Contribute to the development of new technical capabilities, equipment and processes within the Laser Processing team.
-
Support business development activities through technical input into proposals, bids and funding applications.
-
Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with relevant quality, health and safety procedures.
-
Present technical findings internally and externally through customer meetings, conferences, workshops and publications.
-
Keep abreast of emerging developments in laser processing, welding, joining and advanced manufacturing technologies to support future capability growth.
Essential Skills/Qualifications/Experience
-
Degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
-
Strong understanding of process development, experimental design and data analysis.
-
Willingness to learn about laser processing including equipment set-up, equipment operation and laser
-
Excellent problem-solving skills with a methodical and analytical approach.
-
Experience producing technical reports and presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
-
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
-
Ability to manage multiple priorities whilst delivering high-quality technical outputs.
Desirable Skills/Qualifications/Experience
-
Hands-on experience of laser materials processing, or closely related advanced manufacturing technologies
-
Industrial or research experience in laser welding of metallic materials.
-
Experience of weld characterisation techniques including optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, hardness testing and metallurgical analysis.
-
Knowledge of welding process qualification standards and quality assurance methodologies.
-
Experience with robotic systems, motion control systems or automated manufacturing equipment.
-
Familiarity with process monitoring, machine vision, sensors or closed-loop control systems.
-
Understanding of laser beam delivery systems, optics and laser-material interactions.
-
Experience delivering collaborative R&D projects with industrial or academic partners.
-
Experience authoring technical papers, conference publications, patents or funding proposals.
-
Chartered Engineer status or active progress towards professional registration.
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) was established in 2010 as an independent Research & Technology Organisation (RTO) with the objective of bridging the gap between academia and industry – often referred to as ‘the valley of death’.
It represents one of the largest public sector investments in UK manufacturing and, after four years of planning and a 16 month build, the facility opened at Ansty Park in Coventry at the end of 2011.
In December 2011, there were 16 industrial members, 44 staff and just a few key pieces of equipment in the ‘workshop’.
Over the following seven years the MTC’s rapid growth has seen the expansion of our campus with the construction of three more facilities, including the opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre and the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing.
Our role has also increased to cover not only R&D but also Training, Advanced Manufacturing Management and Factory Design.
We now have over 700 talented employees working with us.
During this time we have helped hundreds of companies across a range of industries and over 100 of them have become members of the MTC.
