Research Engineer - Laser Processing (Welding/Joining)

MTC - Manufacturing Technology Centre; Coventry; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry is seeking a Research Engineer (Laser Processing - Welding & Joining) to develop, optimise and industrialise advanced laser welding technologies across aerospace, defence and automotive sectors. You will plan experiments, develop robust processes, analyse data and support collaborative R&D projects.

The role involves working with customers and teams to solve engineering challenges, contribute to capability growth and deliver measurable

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field required.
• Strong ability to plan experiments and analyse data.
• Willingness to learn laser processing equipment and operations.
• Proven ability to report technical findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Deliver technical work packages in laser welding and joining projects.
• Plan and execute experimental programmes to develop processes.
• Analyse data to support decisions and process improvements.
• Produce technical reports and project deliverables for stakeholders.
• Support project delivery within scope, quality, and schedule.
• Develop new capabilities and support bids and funding proposals.
• Maintain records and ensure safety, quality compliance.
• Present findings in meetings, conferences and publications.

Skills

Engineering design

Data analysis

Experiment planning

Problem solving

Technical reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Laser equipment operation

Metallurgical analysis tools

Job description

The role

The Research Engineer (Laser Processing - Welding & Joining) will contribute to the development, optimisation and industrialisation of advanced laser welding and joining technologies for a broad range of industrial sectors, including aerospace, defence, energy, automotive and emerging manufacturing applications.

The role involves planning and conducting experimental programmes, developing robust manufacturing processes, analysing data, and supporting the delivery of collaborative and industrial research projects.

The successful candidate will work closely with customers, technology specialists and project teams to solve complex engineering challenges and help accelerate the adoption of innovative manufacturing technologies.

The role aligns with MTC's focus on delivering research and technology development programmes for industrial clients and collaborative R&D partners.

The Vacancy

The role

The Research Engineer (Laser Processing - Welding & Joining) will contribute to the development, optimisation and industrialisation of advanced laser welding and joining technologies for a broad range of industrial sectors, including aerospace, defence, energy, automotive and emerging manufacturing applications.

The role involves planning and conducting experimental programmes, developing robust manufacturing processes, analysing data, and supporting the delivery of collaborative and industrial research projects.

The successful candidate will work closely with customers, technology specialists and project teams to solve complex engineering challenges and help accelerate the adoption of innovative manufacturing technologies.

The role aligns with MTC's focus on delivering research and technology development programmes for industrial clients and collaborative R&D partners.

The successful candidate will be expected to support all aspects of project delivery, including experimental design, process development, equipment operation, data analysis, technical reporting and dissemination of results. They will contribute to the development of new technical capabilities, support proposal generation for future research opportunities, and engage with industrial stakeholders to ensure that project outcomes deliver measurable impact. The position offers an excellent opportunity to develop technical expertise whilst contributing to world-class manufacturing innovation.

Main Responsibilities

• Deliver technical work packages within industrial and collaborative R&D projects focused on laser welding, joining and related manufacturing processes.
• Design, plan and execute experimental programmes to develop, optimise and validate laser welding and joining processes.
• Analyse experimental data and interpret results to support technical decision-making and process improvement.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, presentations and project deliverables for customers and funding bodies.
• Support the delivery of projects to agreed scope, quality, budget and schedule requirements.
• Contribute to the development of new technical capabilities, equipment and processes within the Laser Processing team.
• Support business development activities through technical input into proposals, bids and funding applications.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with relevant quality, health and safety procedures.
• Present technical findings internally and externally through customer meetings, conferences, workshops and publications.
• Keep abreast of emerging developments in laser processing, welding, joining and advanced manufacturing technologies to support future capability growth.

Person Specification

Essential Skills/Qualifications/Experience

• Degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of process development, experimental design and data analysis.
• Willingness to learn about laser processing including equipment set-up, equipment operation and laser
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a methodical and analytical approach.
• Experience producing technical reports and presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities whilst delivering high-quality technical outputs.

Desirable Skills/Qualifications/Experience

• Hands-on experience of laser materials processing, or closely related advanced manufacturing technologies
• Industrial or research experience in laser welding of metallic materials.
• Experience of weld characterisation techniques including optical microscopy, SEM, EDS, hardness testing and metallurgical analysis.
• Knowledge of welding process qualification standards and quality assurance methodologies.
• Experience with robotic systems, motion control systems or automated manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with process monitoring, machine vision, sensors or closed-loop control systems.
• Understanding of laser beam delivery systems, optics and laser-material interactions.
• Experience delivering collaborative R&D projects with industrial or academic partners.
• Experience authoring technical papers, conference publications, patents or funding proposals.
• Chartered Engineer status or active progress towards professional registration.

About The MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation, bridging the gap between academia and manufacturing, and is home to some of the brightest minds in engineering from around the globe.

The MTC's engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world in a supportive and collegiate environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers of all sizes develop new and innovative processes and technologies.

Established to prove cutting edge manufacturing advances in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, the MTC works with hundreds of industrial clients across a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food and drink, infrastructure, construction and civil engineering, electronics, oil and gas and defence. The MTC helps businesses thrive by advancing their technological and engineering capabilities to improve their business efficiency, capability and competitiveness.

Supported by one of the largest public sector investments in UK Manufacturing, the MTC's engineering capabilities cover research and development, advanced manufacturing management, factory design and training for the skills of the future.

The MTC has world-class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and is part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.

Reference Checks and Security Checks (where applicable)

Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.