Shape the Future of Advanced Manufacturing
At the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), we are at the forefront of innovation, helping manufacturers transform ideas into industrial reality. As part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, we work alongside leading industrial partners, academic institutions and government bodies to develop and scale breakthrough technologies.
We are now seeking a talented Senior Research Engineer to join our Materials Technology team in Coventry and play a key role in developing next-generation thin film deposition technologies for high-value manufacturing sectors including defence, aerospace, energy and advanced engineering.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for a degree, Master's or PhD-qualified Engineer or Materials Scientist with expertise in thin film technologies to take ownership of cutting-edge research and development projects.
You'll be a recognised technical specialist, leading the delivery of innovative projects from concept through to industrial application, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, customers and stakeholders.
What You'll Be Doing
Lead the technical delivery of research and development projects involving advanced thin-film deposition technologies.
Support the development, optimisation and scale-up of manufacturing processes.
Act as a subject matter expert, providing technical guidance to engineers, customers and industrial partners.
Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes, quality standards and health and safety practices.
Take ownership of project deliverables, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and to customer expectations.
Contribute to innovative engineering research focused on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) 3+.
Support the identification and implementation of new technology capabilities across MTC and customer environments.
Oversee project compliance, technical governance, commissioning activities and budget management.
About You
We're looking for an ambitious and technically capable engineer who thrives in a research-led, industrial environment.
Essential Requirements
Degree, Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
Practical experience with vapour deposition processes.
Strong understanding of vacuum systems.
Experience using thin-film and materials characterisation techniques, such as:Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
Interferometry
Mechanical and tribological testing.
Desirable Experience
Knowledge of functional coatings for aerospace, defence, energy, optical, electronic or industrial applications.
Experience scaling laboratory processes into manufacturing environments.
Understanding of vacuum system design, diagnostics and maintenance.
Experience working within regulated or high-technology manufacturing sectors.
Why Join MTC?
Work with world-leading manufacturing technologies and facilities.
Collaborate with some of the brightest engineering and scientific minds in the UK.
Deliver projects with real industrial impact across multiple sectors.
Access excellent professional development opportunities and career progression.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and flexible working arrangements.
Please be aware that many roles working for MTC will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation.
All candidates must meet Right to Work in the UK criteria and achieve the required security and clearance requirements to undertake this role which will be shared with you upon application.