Research Engineer - Digital Manufacturing

Tyndall National Institute; Cork; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Ireland is seeking a Research Engineer specializing in Digital Manufacturing. The ideal candidate will manage R&D projects focused on additive manufacturing techniques for RF electronics, characterized by 5+ years in mechanical engineering and expertise in CAD/CAM design. This full-time role offers a salary range of €39,827–€62,926, along with employer pension contributions and annual leave. Closing date for applications is November 28, 2025.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution

Generous annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience in manufacturing process development and characterization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfortable in a lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop additive manufacturing processes for RF systems.
• Manage R&D of manufacturing processes for RF components.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports and presentations.

Skills

CAD/CAM design

Programming CNC machines

Digital additive manufacturing

Mechanical engineering

Project management

Education

MS degree in mechanical/manufacturing engineering

PhD degree (desirable)

Tools

Solidworks

AutoCAD

Job description

Research Engineer - Digital Manufacturing

Contract: Full-time/Fixed Term

The Advanced RF Technologies (ART) Group at Tyndall National Institute (TNI) and University College Cork invites applications for a Research Manufacturing Engineer in Digital Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing to support the organization’s manufacturing capabilities in digital manufacturing technologies for RF electronics. The role will support the delivery of research projects on 3D printed RF electronics for 6G communications, Internet-of-Things, Industry 5.0. We would like to recruit a well-qualified and creative manufacturing technologist that has experience in digital manufacturing and mechanical design and has excellent technical, interpersonal and communication skills. The post holder will be involved in interdisciplinary research projects aim to develop RF components using digital manufacturing technologies such as inkjet printing, piezo jetting, laser processing, etc. The role will entail R&D of manufacturing processes for RF components, CAD design, manufacturing, characterization and testing of processes and devices. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, requiring little direction and is expected to lead and manage his/her own project and thrive in a research environment. Furthermore, the post holder is expected to assist researchers and students with their projects, to be involved in project management, proposals development and to manage manufacturing equipment.

The successful candidate will become a member of a diverse and vibrant community of academics, research professionals and students at TNI and UCC and will have access to world-class manufacturing and RF characterization facilities at TNI, UCC. Further information on our community and infrastructure can be found in the following websites: Advanced RF Technology Group: https://advancedrftechnologies.com/, University College Cork: https://www.ucc.ie/en/, Tyndall National Institute: https://www.tyndall.ie/. Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Key responsibilities

• Develop additive manufacturing processes for RF systems and printed electronics
• Manage and carry out the R&D of manufacturing processes for RF devices/components
• Perform CAD & CAM design of 3D components
• Support development for test methods
• Characterize materials & processes using electronic equipment and optical characterization tools.
• Technical project management of research projects with the responsibility for delivery of project objectives and within the budget.
• Preparation and delivery of PowerPoint presentations and technical reports
• Engage in dissemination of the research in scientific publications, presentations in conferences, collaborators and future sponsors
• Lead and manage research projects
• Manage manufacturing equipment, train researchers and ensure lab users are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and with the required Health and Safety standards.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• MS degree or equivalent in mechanical/manufacturing/automation engineering or relevant discipline.
• Typically, 5+ years of experience in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent
• Experienced in CAD/CAM design using Solidworks, AutoCAD or equivalent
• Experienced in programming of CNC machines
• Experienced in digital additive/subtractive manufacturing technologies
• Experienced in manufacturing process development and characterization
• Able to analyze and assess manufacturing processes
• Track record in managing projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills; comfortable to work in a lab-based environment

Desirable Criteria

• PhD degree in mechanical/manufacturing/automation engineering or relevant discipline
• Experience in manufacturing processes for 3D printed electronics
• Experience in RF design and testing of materials and devices
• Experience in equipment and lab management.
• Experience in training and supervising students/researchers/engineers
• Scientific publications

This is a full-time, fixed-term position at Tyndall National Institute.

The appointment will be made on the Senior Executive Scale, Scale B: € 39,827– € 55,116 and Grade 5, Scale B; 51,307– € 62,926 (depending on experience) and includes employer’s pension contribution and a generous annual leave allowance applies. The salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Dimitra Psychogiou. Closing date of applications is 1pm, 28th November 2025.

Application Instructions

Please make sure to attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.

A full candidate information pack is available to download. Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process. At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.