Senior Research Engineer - NDT (Ref: 978253)

the-mtc
Coventry
1 year ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Java Developer

Senior Lecturer, Aerospace Engineering Education Lead

Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering

Senior SOC Engineer

Senior Propulsion Engineer

Senior Communication Systems Engineer

Senior Research Engineer

We are looking for a Senior Research Engineer to join our Non Destructive Testing Team based in Coventry.

The Senior Research Engineer (SRE) role is primarily focused on the independent technical delivery of projects and leadership in the development of project related activities across The MTC, working across various technology departments and industrial sectors.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Senior Research Engineer you will:

Lead project technical deliverables, taking ownership to ensure work meets or exceeds agreed customer requirements, and is delivered within agreed budgets and timescales. Where delegated, to act as Technical Governance lead for project deliverables. Undertake innovative Engineering research work focused primarily on technology/manufacturing readiness levels (TRL/MRL) 3+, and able to demonstrate industrial project delivery. Support Senior Managers with a proactive approach in the identification, technical specification, and delivery of new and novel technology capability into the MTC, customers, or industrial member’s premises. Require involvement in all aspects of the project delivery, taking overall ownership and ensuring compliance with all relevant standards, technical support of commissioning, management of project budget and deliverables.

Person Specification

We are looking for a candidate who is:

Degree calibre engineer, technologist, scientist or mathematician. Ideally working towards professional registration, Chartered professional qualification is desirable. Demonstrable in-depth knowledge and application of NDT techniques through previous project work. In particular, knowledge and hands-on experience with industrial radiographic techniques (specifically X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT)) and analysis methods.

Broader knowledge of additional NDT techniques such as:

Ultrasonic Inspection methods, Electromagnetic based inspection (Eddy current testing), Thermographic inspection, Image based inspection methodologies (visual inspection, hyperspectral imaging).

In addition:

Strong knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies and how different technologies may be more appropriate to specific inspection applications. The ability to apply this knowledge to lead validation trials to prove a system’s capability for an application. Provide strong technical leadership and support project teams in the delivery of work. Strong knowledge of the manufacturing sector and understanding of manufacturing systems and technologies. Experience working in R&D or project-based environments. Demonstration of experience in providing technical leadership, knowledge transfer and strategic direction. Demonstrable substantial and recognised expertise in a specific area relevant to the theme. Expert knowledge of the manufacturing sector and deep understanding of manufacturing systems and technologies; Committed to work collaboratively and network effectively, able to recognise the contribution of others and team-work with a one MTC mind-set; Pragmatic hands on experience, providing problem solving approach and who is willing to physically participate in completion of work when required. Self-motivated and a self-starter, with the ability to work autonomously to meet deadlines, budgets and quality expectations, both within a team, or independently. Experience working where subsequent adherence to associated process and policy is critical to maintain customer confidentiality.

Please see the job description attached to find out more.

About The MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation, bridging the gap between academia and manufacturing, and is home to some of the brightest minds in engineering from around the globe. 

The MTC's engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world in a supportive and collegiate environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers of all sizes develop new and innovative processes and technologies. 

Established to prove cutting edge manufacturing advances in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, the MTC works with hundreds of industrial clients across a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food and drink, infrastructure, construction and civil engineering, electronics, oil and gas and defence. The MTC helps businesses thrive by advancing their technological and engineering capabilities to improve their business efficiency, capability and competitiveness. 

Supported by one of the largest public sector investments in UK Manufacturing, the MTC's engineering capabilities cover research and development, advanced manufacturing management, factory design and training for the skills of the future. 

The MTC has world-class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and is part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.

Reference Checks and Security Checks (where applicable)
Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

UK Space Jobs for Career Switchers in Their 30s, 40s & 50s (UK Reality Check)

The UK space sector is no longer a niche reserved for astronauts and rocket scientists. It is a broad, fast-growing industry covering satellites, Earth observation, navigation, telecoms, space data, launch services, space sustainability and defence-related capability. That breadth creates genuine career opportunities for professionals switching careers in their 30s, 40s or 50s — especially in roles where delivery, quality, operations, safety, regulation and customer outcomes matter as much as pure engineering. This article gives you a UK reality check: what space jobs actually look like, which roles are realistic for career switchers, what skills UK employers value, how long retraining tends to take and whether age is a barrier (usually far less than people fear).

How to Write a Space Industry Job Ad That Attracts the Right People

The UK space sector is growing rapidly. From satellite manufacturing and launch services to Earth observation, space data, communications and downstream applications, organisations across the UK are hiring engineers, scientists, software specialists and operations professionals to support increasingly complex space missions. Yet many employers struggle to attract the right candidates. Space industry job adverts often receive very few applications, or attract candidates whose experience does not align with the realities of space programmes. At the same time, experienced space professionals frequently ignore adverts that feel vague, over-ambitious or disconnected from how space projects actually operate. In most cases, the issue is not a lack of talent — it is the clarity and quality of the job advert. Space professionals are systems-focused, risk-aware and highly selective. A poorly written job ad signals weak programme maturity and unrealistic expectations. A clear, well-written one signals credibility, technical seriousness and long-term intent. This guide explains how to write a space industry job ad that attracts the right people, improves applicant quality and positions your organisation as a credible employer in the UK space sector.

Maths for Space Jobs: The Only Topics You Actually Need (& How to Learn Them)

UK space careers can look intimidating from the outside. Job adverts mention “systems engineering” “mission assurance” “GN&C” “RF” “payloads” “flight dynamics” “verification” “ECSS” & suddenly you’re wondering if you need a maths degree just to apply. You don’t. For most UK space jobs, the maths you actually use clusters into a handful of practical topics that map directly to real work across satellites, launch, ground segment, downstream data, mission ops & space software. This article strips it down to what matters most for job readiness plus a 6-week learning plan, portfolio projects & a resources section you can use immediately. UK space is also actively focused on growth & skills. The government’s National Space Strategy sets ambitions to grow the UK’s space ecosystem & spread employment across the UK. The Space Sector Skills Survey 2023 highlights recruitment challenges plus the importance of new skills & technologies including AI & ML. Recent industry reporting also estimates UK space industry employment at 55,550 FTEs plus wider supply-chain jobs. So learning the right maths is not an academic exercise. It’s a practical way to widen the roles you can credibly target.