Technical Specialist in Plasma Engineering

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University invites applications for a Plasma Engineer Technical Specialist within the Atmosphere Plasma Engineering team at John Dalton. This fixed-term 18-month role supports research, teaching and industrial partnerships across the university.

You will operate, maintain and troubleshoot specialised equipment, design and refine atmospheric plasma systems, and train users involved in interdisciplinary projects within the university labs and workshops.

Qualifications

• Doctoral level qualification in plasma related research.
• Degree in Mechanical Design/ Manufacturing or Chemical Engineering or industrial experience in a closely related subject.
• Detailed knowledge of atmospheric pressure plasma reactors design and operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot and service specialist equipment.
• Devise innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
• Train users in the use of specialist equipment and software.
• Design, build, develop and operate atmospheric pressure plasma systems.

Skills

CAD

Independent work

Analytical mindset

Education

Doctoral degree in plasma research

Degree in Mechanical Design/ Manufacturing / Chemical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Additive Manufacturing and Hydrogen Technologies Team at Manchester Metropolitan University as a Plasma Engineer Technical Specialist. Based in John Dalton, inside the Atmospheric Plasma Engineering laboratories, this is an exciting opportunity to use your specialist skills to support the research, teaching and industrial partners projects taking place in Manchester Metropolitan University.

The AirFeed: Self-Reliant Farming From Air is an Innovate UK funded project.

The Atmospheric Plasma Engineering research team is aiming to develop and validate a mobile plasma prototype that can operate dependably and reliably on farms.

Working together with the academic team, the technical specialist will be refining and scaling up of the existing atmospheric pressure plasma system, performing the required analysis, testing, and troubleshooting, leasing with industrial and research partners to successfully deliver the objectives of this collaborative project.

This is a fixed term 18 month position that is estimated to start ASAP.

The Role

As a Technical Specialist, you will:

• Work independently in your specialist area, taking responsibility for a designated workspace and the provision of an excellent service.
• Be responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and general maintenance of specialist equipment in your area.
• Devise innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
• Train service users in the use of specialist equipment and software.

• Be willing to undergo training on the uses of the required analytical services.
• Be able to design, build, develop and operate atmospheric pressure plasma systems.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will possess:

• A doctoral level qualification in plasma related research. Degree in Mechanical Design/ Manufacturing / Chemical Engineering or Industrial experience in a closely related subject.
• Have detailed and extensive knowledge of theory and practice of atmospheric pressure plasma reactors design and operation.
• A well-established experience of using engineering drawing software such as CAD.
• A good hands on experience in manufacturing prototype.

Personal attributes

• ability to collect, organise and synthesise complex data from different sources;
• communication of findings succinctly via oral presentations and written reports and articles;
• be pro-active, motivated, resourceful and able to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team;
• able to effectively manage time whilst keeping to a schedule of work and be organised in documenting progress throughout the project.

For the complete list of essential and desiderable criteria please refer to the provided job description

The Team

You will be part of a large and diverse Technical Team that works in specialist laboratories, workshops, studios and IT facilities. Our technical team play a key role supporting, guiding, and advising across our university, from sciences, engineering, art, design and technology through to sports, ceramics, nursing and physiotherapy.

We offer a creative working environment that inspires our staff to fulfil their potential and offer training to further develop your skills and expertise

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy. This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme andbest meetthe essential criteria will be offered an interview.