Lead Thin-Film R&D Engineer for Innovation & Scale-Up

MTC - Manufacturing Technology Centre; Coventry; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry is seeking an ambitious engineer or materials scientist with expertise in thin-film technologies to lead cutting-edge R&D projects from concept to industrial application.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, drive TRL/MRL 3+ development, and oversee project deliverables, budgets and governance while advancing vacuum deposition and characterization techniques.

Qualifications

• Degree, Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Practical experience with vapour deposition processes.
• Strong understanding of vacuum systems.
• Experience using thin‑film and materials characterisation techniques such as SEM, XRD, Interferometry, mechanical and tribological testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of R&D projects involving advanced thin‑film deposition technologies.
• Support development, optimisation and scale‑up of manufacturing processes.
• Act as a subject matter expert, providing technical guidance to engineers, customers and partners.
• Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes, quality standards and health and safety practices.
• Take ownership of project deliverables, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and to customer expectations.
• Contribute to innovative engineering research focused on TRLs and MRLs 3+.
• Support identification and implementation of new technology capabilities across MTC and customer environments.
• Oversee project compliance, technical governance, commissioning activities and budget management.

Skills

Vapour deposition

Vacuum systems

SEM

XRD

Interferometry

Mechanical testing

Tribological testing

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in Materials Science/Engineering/Physics/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering

PhD in related discipline (Desirable)

Job description

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry is seeking an ambitious engineer or materials scientist with expertise in thin-film technologies to lead cutting-edge R&D projects from concept to industrial application.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, drive TRL/MRL 3+ development, and oversee project deliverables, budgets and governance while advancing vacuum deposition and characterization techniques.