Principal Engineer

twiglobal; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

TWI Ltd is seeking a Principal Engineer to join the Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM) team in Sheffield, supporting the development and industrial application of advanced laser-based manufacturing technologies. The role involves leading projects, designing experimental programmes and delivering high-value solutions for aerospace, energy and defence sectors.

As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will translate customer requirements into practical engineering solutions, drive process

Qualifications

• Experience in laser additive manufacturing or related process development.
• Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Project delivery experience in multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of CAD/CAM tools and digital engineering is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, optimisation and industrial deployment of laser additive manufacturing processes
• Lead technical work packages and deliver complete projects with support from colleagues
• Design and execute experimental programmes to evaluate and improve manufacturing processes
• Analyse and interpret technical data, presenting findings to customers and project stakeholders
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists and project teams across multiple disciplines
• Translate customer requirements into practical engineering solutions
• Contribute to the successful delivery of customer-facing projects on time and to a high technical standard
• Manage your own workload and priorities within a dynamic project environment

Job description

Senior Engineer/Principle Engineer

Principal Engineer

Laser Additive Manufacturing

Location: Sheffield, UK

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Hybrid (Sheffield-based, in line with business requirements)

Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week

Job Profile: Principal Engineer

Salary: £44,500 - £80,500 per annum

Reference: JR100890

Closing Date: 21 August 2026

Security Requirements: To be confirmed if applicable

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Engineer to join our Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM) team, supporting the development and industrial application of advanced laser-based manufacturing technologies. Working at the forefront of innovation, you will contribute to the development and optimisation of technologies including:Laser Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED) using powder and wire feed systemsExtreme High-Speed Laser Application (EHLA)Hot wire laser cladding

These technologies are applied across a range of sectors, including aerospace, energy and defence, supporting the repair, surface enhancement and manufacture of high-value components. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will play a key role in delivering innovative manufacturing solutions for customers, applying engineering expertise to improve process performance, material integrity and component quality while solving complex technical challenges.

What You'll Be Doing

In this role, you will:

• Support the development, optimisation and industrial deployment of laser additive manufacturing processes
• Lead technical work packages and, where appropriate, deliver complete projects with support from colleagues
• Design and execute experimental programmes to evaluate and improve manufacturing processes
• Analyse and interpret technical data, presenting findings to customers and project stakeholders
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists and project teams across multiple disciplines
• Translate customer requirements into practical engineering solutions
• Contribute to the successful delivery of customer-facing projects on time and to a high technical standard
• Manage your own workload and priorities within a dynamic project environment

About You

We are looking for an experienced engineer with strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. For this senior-level position, we are particularly interested in candidates with experience in two or more of the following areas:

• Additive manufacturing, particularly laser-based processes such as L-DED or laser cladding
• Project management and technical project delivery
• Materials science and materials processing
• Metallurgy, welding and additive manufacturing principles
• CAD/CAM and digital engineering tools (experience with Siemens NX would be advantageous)
• Process development, parameter optimisation and quality control
• Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary project delivery
• Technical problem-solving and continuous improvement

Travel :

This position may require travel in the UK and abroad to support customer, project and collaboration activities.

About us:

TWI Ltd is a world expert in engineering, materials and joining technologies with significant property assets. We provide industry with advice and know-how in design, fabrication, failure analysis and prevention.

We offer opportunities to collaborate with inspiring and expert teams and a supportive environment in which you are actively encouraged to share your ideas and continually develop your own skills and knowledge.

If you are looking to join an organisation that is fuelled by innovation, teamwork, and openness, this role could be for you.

Diversity statement:

TWI Ltd is committed to treating all employees fairly and to being an inclusive employer. Our aim is to create a work environment where our employees can reach their full potential. We put Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the heart of our people practices to attract, develop and retain the best talent.

Inclusion:

We recognise that it's the differences of our people that gives us our competitive edge and enables us to maintain our world leading reputation. This is why we are committed to ensuring there is diversity across every level of our organisation; representative of the Members and societies we serve. We have made Inclusion our number one corporate value to demonstrate our commitment to ensure it is at the core of everything we do at TWI.

Disability Confident Scheme :

We are pleased to confirm that we have achieved the first stage accreditation, which means we are a 'Disability Confident Employer'. This is a government-supported scheme that supports organisations like TWI to make the most of the talents that people with disability can bring to our workplace. The scheme helps us recruit and retain great people; draw from the