Advanced Research Engineer - NDT

Manufacturing Technology Centre; Coventry; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering research facility in Coventry is seeking an Advanced Research Engineer to deliver impactful projects focused on radiographic inspection techniques. The role requires a degree in engineering or a related field, experience with NDT techniques, and proficiency in Python-based programming. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) and contribute to innovative engineering research projects. This position offers opportunities for professional development in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Degree calibre engineer or technologist ideally working towards professional registration.
• Hands-on experience with industrial radiographic techniques.
• Proficiency in advanced XCT analysis methods for defect detection.

Responsibilities

• Act as Technical Lead for smaller projects.
• Undertake innovative Engineering research work.
• Contribute to technical specification and delivery of new technology capabilities.

Skills

Knowledge in NDT techniques

Experience with X-ray Computed Tomography

Python programming for image processing

Understanding of Digital Engineering

Education

Degree in Engineering, Technology, Science or Mathematics

Tools

Dragonfly

VGStudio

Avizo

Job description

The Role

The Advanced Research Engineer (ARE) role is focused on the technical delivery of projects and support the development of project related activities across The MTC, working across various technology departments and industrial sectors. In particular this role is focused on the delivery of projects and research using radiographic inspection techniques and the associated analysis.

As a member of the Metrology and NDT team, which is one of three teams in the Digital Engineering Group, you will be part of a team with diverse skill sets with the aim to deliver impactful projects and innovative research across inspection.

Main Responsibilities:

Largely independent supply of larger project's technical deliverables, and act as Technical Lead for smaller projects where required; ensuring work meets or exceeds agreed customer requirements, within agreed budgets and timescales.

Undertake innovative Engineering research work focused primarily on technology/manufacturing readiness levels (TRL/MRL) 3+, and able to demonstrate industrial project delivery.

To contribute to the identification, technical specification and delivery of new and novel technology capability into the MTC, customers, or industrial members premises.

This role will require involvement in all aspects of the project delivery including but not restricted to: concept generation, detailed design, ensuring compliance with all relevant standards, technical support of commissioning, awareness of project budget and deliverables



Person Specification

Essential Skills / Qualifications / Experience

Knowledge

Degree calibre engineer, technologist, scientist or mathematician. Ideally, working towards professional registration.

Demonstrable knowledge and application of NDT techniques through previous project work. In particular, knowledge and hands-on experience with industrial radiographic techniques (specifically X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT)), including quantitative analysis of XCT datasets using commercially available software (e.g., Dragonfly, VGStudio, Avizo, or similar).

Proficiency in applying advanced XCT analysis methods for defect detection, dimensional analysis, and material characterisation.

Experience in Python-based programming for image processing and analysis of XCT data is desirable.

Broader knowledge of additional NDT techniques such as:Ultrasonic Inspection methods,

Electromagnetic based inspection (Eddy current testing),

Thermographic inspection,

Image based inspection methodologies (visual inspection, hyperspectral imaging).





An understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies and how different technologies may be more appropriate to specific inspection applications. The ability to apply this knowledge to down selection style projects to make objective recommendations on candidate technologies / systems for specific applications.

An awareness of how inspection can support broader Digital Engineering / Industry 4.0 concepts.

Experience working in R&D or project-based environments.