Technical Specialist in Plasma Engineering Support

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking a Plasma Engineer Technical Specialist to support the Additive Manufacturing and Hydrogen Technologies Team. The role focuses on designing, assembling, and commissioning a scaled atmospheric plasma system, with responsibilities for drawings, sourcing parts, and ensuring reliable operation within the lab environment.

This fixed-term 9-month position involves independent work in a dynamic research setting, collaboration with researchers, and potential

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Design/Manufacturing/Chemical Engineering or related subject.
• Knowledge of atmospheric pressure plasma reactor design and operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot and perform general maintenance of specialist equipment in your area.
• Devise innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
• Train users in the use of specialist equipment and software.
• Be willing to undergo training on the uses of required analytical services.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Design / Manufacturing / Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD

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 Plasma Nitrogen Fertiliser Project is a UKRI funded project.

The Athmosferic Plasma Engineering research team is aiming to develop and validate a mobile plasma prototype that can operate dependably and reliably on farms, integrate with standard fertigation systems, and deliver fertiliser performance comparable to conventional nitrogen products.

The post-holder will aim is to support the academic team with the development of a scaled up atmospheric pressure plasma system. The responsibilities of the technical specialist will include producing engineering drawings for the required parts, liaising with the manufacturing services for producing and sourcing the required parts for the device, assembling and commissioning the device. These duties will be supported by the lead researchers and other members of the team.

This is a fixed term 9 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.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will possess:

• A 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

If you would like further information about this role, please contact Dr Tiziana Denaro at [e-mail].

Interviews will take place on Monday 16 November and Monday 23 November 2026. Due to project timescales, alternative interview dates may not be possible, so applicants should ensure they are available to attend on these dates before applying.

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.

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 and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.