Composite Research and Development Engineer (KTP Associate)

University of Strathclyde; North East; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training budget

Project ownership

Industry-academic bridge

Training modules

Job summary

University of Strathclyde, in partnership with CAV Acquisition Limited, seeks a KTP Associate to embed composite manufacturing know-how within CAV and develop repeatable lab-scale processes for R&D and bid-ready prototyping. The role is based predominantly at CAV’s site in County Durham with occasional visits to the Strathclyde campus.

The post is fixed for 24 months, at 39 hours per week, with a salary up to £39,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Embed composite manufacturing know-how within an industry partner.
• Develop repeatable lab-scale processes for R&D and bid-ready prototyping.
• Work across university and industry with visits to campus and partner site.

Job description

Faculty of Engineering

The project will embed advanced design and manufacturing capability for composite materials within CAV Systems, enabling the development of a portfolio of fibre-reinforced polymer composite aerospace components case studies and strengthening the company’s long‑term innovation and commercial offering.

FTE: 1 FTE (39 hours per week)

Term: Fixed for 24 months

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in partnership with CAV Acquisition Limited (https://www.cav-systems.com/) are seeking to appoint a KTP Associate to embed composite manufacturing know how within CAV and develop repeatable lab scale processes suitable for R&D and commercial bid ready prototyping. The post will be predominantly based at CAV Acquisitions’ site in County Durham with visits to the University of Strathclyde campus.

CAV is a leading provider of ice protection and drag reduction technology to general aviation, commercial aerospace, and defence markets worldwide.

The position offers the KTP Associate the following benefits:

• Manage your own substantial training and development budget (you can also use this to attend conferences, cover membership of professional bodies etc.)
• You’ll ‘own’ your own project, linked to both a university and a business whose experienced teams will provide you with full support. Applying academic knowledge to a real-world challenge, this is a chance to deliver impact and shape your career whilst gaining valuable experience from industrial and academic mentors.
• KTPs offer extensive opportunities for graduates and post‑grads, as you provide the link between an expert academic team and a dynamic company. This ‘bridge’ gives you unique and exceptional access to both worlds.
• A fulfilling employment opportunity where you can apply your knowledge to turn a key strategic innovation idea into reality within an innovative company.
• You can choose a variety of training modules during your KTP: project management, marketing and communication, finance, leadership and/or personal development, as well as job‑specific technical training.

The project is part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme that aims to help businesses to innovate and grow by working with UK universities. Successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership projects are funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK and are part of the government’s Industrial Strategy. To find out how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position please visit: www.ktpws.org.uk

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Ross Minty ([e-mail]).

Up to £39,000 per annum