Research Engineer

The Vacancy

The role

We are looking for a Research Engineer to join our Metrology and Non-Destructive Testing Team. The role is primarily focused on the technical delivery of projects and programmes across the MTC. You will report to our team lead and work across various technology departments, industrial sectors, and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Largely independent delivery of project's technical deliverables
• Acting as Technical Lead for smaller projects where required; ensuring work meets or exceeds agreed customer requirements, within agreed budgets and timescales.
• This role will require involvement in all aspects of the project delivery including but not restricted to in-depth research, concept generation, detailed design, generation of technical drawings, ensuring compliance with all relevant standards, technical support of commissioning, awareness of project budget and deliverables.
• Supporting the team in the identification, technical specification, and delivery of new and novel technology capability into the MTC, undertaking innovative Engineering research work focused primarily on technology/manufacturing readiness levels (TRL/MRL) 3+.
  
  
  

Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Degree-calibre engineer, scientist or mathematician, with a degree (BEng/MEng/MSci/MSc or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable understanding of dimensional metrology principles, including measurement uncertainty, accuracy, repeatability and traceability.
• Awareness or initial hands-on experience of contact measurement techniques, including Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), precision gauging, or other high-accuracy measurement systems.
• Understanding and application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) in engineering drawings and inspection activities.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret measurement data and support engineering decisions.

Effective communication skills, including technical report writing and presentation.

Motivation to develop technical capability within a high-performance R&D environment, with a proactive approach to learning and skills development.

Desirable Skills/Qualifications

• Practical experience using CMM systems and metrology software (e.g. QUINDOS, PolyWorks or equivalent), including inspection planning and execution.
• Experience working with high-accuracy metrology platforms, supporting precision measurement and validation activities.
• Experience of measurement system analysis (MSA) and validation activities.
• Exposure to ultra-high accuracy measurement techniques (e.g. laser interferometry, precision calibration, advanced gauging systems).
• Awareness of non-contact metrology techniques (e.g. structured light, laser scanning) and their appropriate application.
• Experience in a project-based or R&D environment, ideally across multiple industrial sectors.
• Understanding of how metrology supports digital engineering / inspection data integration.
• Evidence of continued professional development, or willingness to work towards professional registration.
  
  
  

Interview Process

Once you submit your application, this will be passed on to our Talent Acquisition team for review. If you are successfully shortlisted, the next steps will be a 2-stage interview process.

Reference and Security Checks

Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a DBS check and an appropriate security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to gain a security clearance for the role.

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.