Assistant Engineering Technologist

University of Strathclyde; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow invites applications for an Assistant Engineering Technologist to support high-value research on forging and forming processes, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The role involves collaboration with industry partners and potential contributions to proposals through the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC).

Candidates should hold a degree in Materials Science/Engineering, with experience in characterization, FEA tools, and risk assessment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes and their effect on microstructure.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques (e.g. SEM, EDX, WDS, EBSP, optical microscopy).
• Familiarity with process simulation using finite element software (ABAQUS/DEFORM/QForm).
• Ability to measure residual stresses by hole drilling or X-ray methods.

Responsibilities

• Support high-value research programmes on characterisation and modelling of microstructure and mechanical properties.
• Assist in industrial funding proposals and knowledge exchange with partners.
• Collaborate between AFRC and industrial partners to deliver research outputs.
• Contribute to administrative activities and committee work.

Skills

Materials science knowledge

Mechanical testing

Finite element analysis

Industrial collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science/Engineering

Tools

ABAQUS

DEFORM

QForm

XRD

Job description

Assistant Engineering Technologist (828111)

FTE:1 (35 hours/week)

Closing Date: 18/09/2026

The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow possesses a largeinternationally rated Engineering Faculty with a proud history ofsuccessful joint ventures with industrial and enterprise partners.As part of the University’s strategic development the AdvancedForming Research Centre (AFRC) has been established nearGlasgow’s International Airport. The AFRC is the embodiment ofa £30 million collaborative investment by Industrial, Academicand Government partners seeking to establish a world-leadingresearch facility for forging and forming technologies.

The AFRC is seeking to appoint an Assistant EngineeringTechnologist to support the delivery of high value researchprogrammes focused on the characterisations, assessments andmodelling of microstructure and mechanical properties in forgedor formed components. Recently the Centre has investedsignificantly in advanced materials characterisations equipmentand is rapidly developing a team specialises in this area. Thecandidate will also be expected to support and contribute to highvalue industrial funding proposals in support of a range ofprojects across the Centre. The post holder will be expected towork between the AFRC and its industrial partners and there willbe a strong emphasis on knowledge exchange.

To achieve the above the post holder will preferably requiresome research and/or industrial experience in at least two of thefollowing technical areas:

• A good basic knowledge of materials and the way thatmanufacturing processes can develop or modify material’smicrostructure to achieve desired mechanical properties.
• Techniques of materials characterisation e.g. SEM, EDX, WDS,EBSP, optical microscopy and mechanical testing.
• The use of finite element based software (e.g. ABAQUS,DEFORM, QForm or similar) for process simulation (e.g. forging,sheet forming, residual stress prediction), or microstructuremodelling.
• The measurement of residual stresses using hole drilling, X-raydiffraction or other experimental techniques.

The post holder will require the knowledge, skills and experiencenormally associated with a first degree for example in MaterialsScience, Materials Engineering or Mechanical Engineering; weare also interested in candidates with equivalent industrialexperience.

The Assistant Engineering Technologist will also support thedelivery of scientific research programmes on modelling,measurements and control of residual stresses associated withforging and forming processes, and be involved in academicresearch into one or more of these processes.

To be considered for this role, you will be educated to a minimumof Degree level in an appropriate discipline and have sufficientbreadth or depth of knowledge in an appropriate discipline. Thepost holder will also have the ability to plan and prioritise ownworkload with guidance from a team / project leader, and dealwith complex problems presented to them by colleagues.Preferably, the individual will have experience of project planningand delivery, as well as excellent communication andinterpersonal skills, with a proven ability to interact with a rangeof stakeholders from industry and/or academia. Lastly, the postholder may be required to make a contribution to theadministrative activities of the AFRC including membership ofrelevant committees. You will have an established track record inproviding engineering solutions in an industrial context as well asexperience of supporting research and development ofmanufacturing processes. You will have excellenttroubleshooting skills, including a methodical approach to solvecomplex problems and you will have the ability to work as part ofa multi-disciplinary team.

Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed fromcandidates with: some relevant work experience,membership/working towards membership of a relevantChartered/professional body (including the Higher EducationAcademy)

Initial interviews have been scheduled for a date to be confirmed.

For informal enquiries, please contactMatthew Ferguson,Senior Engineer [e-mail]

Assistant Engineering Technologist (828111)

Department: National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)