Senior Research Engineer - Controls

Manufacturing Technology Centre; Coventry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing research organization in Coventry is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to provide technical leadership in automation projects. This role involves mentoring junior engineers, overseeing project deliverables, and ensuring adherence to best practices. The ideal candidate has an Automation Engineering degree and experience with control systems and PLC programming. This position offers a dynamic environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience with ethernet-based and field bus networks.
• Self-motivated, autonomous, and capable of working within deadlines and budgets.
• System design and optimization skills, including project delivery from concept to commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead project technical deliverables, ensuring they meet or exceed customer requirements.
• Oversee technical governance, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Develop and implement a mentoring strategy for the Automation team.

Skills

Automation Engineering degree or equivalent qualification

Experience with automation control systems

Proficiency in IEC PLC programming languages

Experience with HMI and SCADA applications

Structured problem-solving skills

Hands-on problem-solving approach

Effective communication skills

Education

Automation Engineering degree or equivalent qualification

Tools

Siemens platforms

Beckhoff platforms

SCADA applications

Job description

MTC is a leading research and technology organisation at the forefront of manufacturing innovation. We’re surrounded by world-leading facilities, industry-leading minds, and united by shared curiosity and creativity. Our goal is to reimagine progress continually.

We collaborate with a diverse portfolio of industrial clients across sectors including Automotive, Aerospace, Infrastructure, Food & Beverage, Construction, Power & Energy, and Defence.

Our mission is to enhance our clients' technological and engineering capabilities to improve business efficiency, capability, and competitiveness by bridging academia and industry, and testing new ideas in an agile environment.

Supported by significant public sector investment in UK manufacturing, our locations include Antsy Park in Coventry, Liverpool, and Oxford.

The Role

We seek a Senior Research Engineer to join our Automation team based in Coventry. This role focuses on technical leadership of projects and mentoring junior engineers within the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project technical deliverables, ensuring they meet or exceed customer requirements within budget and time constraints.
• Oversee technical governance, ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Develop and implement a mentoring strategy for the Automation team.
• Identify, specify, and deliver innovative technology capabilities, focusing on TRL/MRL 3+ research.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Automation Engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
• Experience with automation control systems, ethernet-based and field bus networks.
• Proficiency in IEC PLC programming languages and experience with Siemens or Beckhoff platforms.
• Experience with HMI and SCADA applications.
• Structured problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated, autonomous, and capable of working within deadlines and budgets.
• Experience with process and policy adherence to maintain confidentiality.
• Hands-on problem-solving approach and physical participation in work when needed.
• System design and optimization skills, including project delivery from concept to commissioning.
• Effective communication skills and team collaboration.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of automation cell safety standards.
• Understanding of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 concepts.
• Knowledge of sensing, pneumatics, high-level programming languages, robotics, and ROS2.

Interview Process

Applications will be reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team. Successful candidates will undergo a 2-stage interview process, including reference and security checks. Candidates must be willing to apply for Developed Vetting security clearance and undergo a DBS check.