Research & Development Scientist

Atlas Copco Airpower N.V.; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global technology company is seeking a Research & Development Scientist to develop innovative abatement technologies that significantly reduce environmental impact. The role is based in Clevedon, UK, and requires extensive experience in plasma or combustion processes. You will coordinate R&D activities and mentor junior staff while working closely with cross-functional teams. A competitive salary, bonuses, and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Bonus up to 7.5%

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Cash health plan

Pension with up to 8% contribution

Life Assurance of 4 x salary

Training and development programs

Fitness App with discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of industrial or research experience.
• Strong communication skills with fluency in English.
• Proven ability to generate and manage R&D activities in multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute abatement technology projects.
• Propose and lead feasibility studies for new technologies.
• Manage project progress and prepare technical reports.
• Mentor junior staff and support the Technology Manager.

Skills

Plasma or combustion science expertise

Reactor design

Electrical power supply design

Chemical analysis of exhaust gases

Prototype development

Strong communication skills

Leadership in research teams

Creativity and scientific judgment

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

Help us reduce environmental greenhouse gases. Edwards are the world leader in abatement systems for the Semi-conductor industry. We work with clients the likes of Intel to reduce their greenhouse gases that are produced when etching electronic chips. So, everything we do helps protect the environment.

Edwards Ltd, part of the Atlas Copco Group, is a global leader in vacuum and gas abatement solutions. Their technologies support the manufacture of advanced electronics, such as microprocessors for logic and memory applications, OLED and LCD screens, photovoltaic solar cells, and more. With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, Edwards products have helped reduce the environmental impact of semiconductor and electronics manufacturing for more than 30 years. The company employs around 400 people at its Clevedon, UK site and is part of a wider group with over 44,000 employees worldwide.

If you are a Research & Development Scientist and care about the environment, then we have a role just for you.

About the Team

The role is based in Clevedon, North Somerset, within the Core Technology Team. This dedicated team of around 15 specialist scientists and engineers, operates with an annual budget of approximately $2.5 million, and conducts a variety of projects aimed at addressing current and future needs of our customers in the semiconductor industry. Research projects are typically carried out by individuals or small groups, with opportunities for collaboration across the Atlas Copco Vacuum Technique Technology Group, both in the UK and internationally.

Working with like-minded engineers in our dept based at out centre of excellence just south of Bristol.

Purpose of the role:

The purpose of this role is to identify and develop new abatement technologies that reduce the environmental impact of semiconductor, flat panel display, and solar cell manufacturing, while enabling advancements in silicon processing techniques. This includes work on DC, RF, and microwave plasma systems, as well as electrically heated and combustion-based technologies. The role supports the company’s innovation pipeline and contributes to the development of solutions that address emerging environmental and regulatory challenges in the semiconductor industry.

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute abatement technology projects, including experimental design, data collection, and performance analysis.
• Propose and lead feasibility studies for new or enhanced technologies based on sound theoretical principles.
• Research emerging abatement concepts and assess their potential for commercial application.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with internal teams, external research groups, and strategic suppliers.
• Identify opportunities for intellectual property, prepare invention records, and support patent development.
• Manage and report on project progress, including preparing technical reports and presentations.
• Ensure safe laboratory practices and promote a culture of safety and best practice.
• Mentor junior staff and support the Technology Manager in managing personnel and project tasks.

Skills & Experience:

• Degree (B.Sc., M.Sc., or Ph.D.) in Chemistry, Physics, or Electrical Engineering, with a specialism in plasma or combustion science.
• Minimum of 7 years’ industrial or research experience, with expertise in:
• Reactor design for plasma or combustion processes
• Electrical power supply design for plasma generation
• Regulated fuel delivery systems
• Chemical analysis of exhaust gases
• Prototype development and CAD tools
• Proven leadership in small research teams and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong communication skills and fluency in English.
• Demonstrated creativity, scientific judgment, and ability to influence technical strategy.
• Familiarity with the semiconductor industry and Edwards’ product landscape would be advantageous.
• Proven ability to generate, implement and co-ordinate research and development activity in more than one major project, under the guidance of a Principal Technologist or Technology Manager
• Fluent in English, able to communicate complex technical concepts
• Creativity, foresight and mature scientific judgement in designing and conducting research programmes or projects.
• Must have gained the respect of less experienced technologists through technical knowledge, judgement, and mentoring of junior staff, and must be a key supporter of the Technology Manager or assigned NPI project manager in the management of personnel and project tasks.
• Proven ability to exercise good judgement and influence the company management in a range of technical matters.

Why come to Edwards:

We offer so much than a job.

• Job Sharing,
• Flexibility on working hours,
• Variable start and finish times,
• Some hybrid working.

Along with your salary you will be eligible for:

• Bonus up to 7.5% bonus
• 25 days holiday and your bank holidays
• Cash health plan
• Pension with a company contribution of up to 8%
• Life Assurance of 4 x basic salary
• Training,Learning and Development throughout
• Thriving Wellbeing Program supporting physical health, mental wellbeing, social connectiveness and sense of purpose.
• Support for formal qualifications and professional development
• Recognition and Reward program
• Some sponsored professional qualifications such as Chartered Engineer (CEng), CIPS, CIPD
• Free parking
• Fitness App, with streamer-able classes, discounted membership with some national gyms.