Advanced Research Engineer - Laser Machining

The Vacancy

Location: Coventry, UK

Salary: £42,000–£48,000 per annum (DOE)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 36 hours per week, 4‑day working week, flexible working, up to 2 days hybrid

Benefits: Vitality medical cover, pension scheme, Tusker car scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme & more

About Us

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is a world‑renowned research and development organisation, uniquely positioned between academia and industry to accelerate innovation in advanced manufacturing. Our engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment anywhere in the world, supporting companies across sectors including aerospace, automotive, rail, electronics, infrastructure, food & drink, oil and gas.

With state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and as part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the MTC plays a vital role in helping businesses improve efficiency, capability and competitiveness through innovative technological solutions.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Advanced Research Engineer (ARE) to join our Laser Processing team, specialising in subtractive laser machining processes such as cutting, drilling and precision material removal.

This role is ideal for early‑to‑mid‑career engineers who enjoy hands‑on experimentation, problem solving, and pushing the boundaries of what laser machining technologies can do. You will deliver technical project work packages, collaborate with industry and academic partners, and contribute to shaping future research and capability development.

A clear progression pathway is in place, supporting your development towards Senior Research Engineer level.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Delivery

• Deliver defined technical work packages independently and on time.
• Act as Technical Lead on smaller projects where appropriate.
• Conduct hands‑on laser machining experiments including setup, testing and analysis.
• Apply expertise in laser–material interactions to optimise cutting, drilling and precision removal processes.

Research & Innovation

• Explore emerging laser machining methods through applied research.
• Generate ideas for new capabilities within the Laser Processing team.

Collaboration & Engagement

• Work closely with industrial, academic and Catapult partners.
• Present technical findings through reports, presentations and meetings.
• Represent MTC at conferences, customer visits or technical forums.

Progression & Development

• Grow towards influencing research direction and capability development.
• Follow structured career progression pathways aligned with your interests and strengths.

About You

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree or PhD in engineering, physics, materials science or a related field.
• Practical exposure to laser‑based manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of laser–material interactions.
• Strong hands‑on approach to experimental work and problem solving.
• Able to manage and deliver defined technical tasks effectively.
• Strong interpersonal, organisational and technical communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with laser machining technologies.
• Experience presenting or publishing technical work.
• Awareness of the UK manufacturing sector or UK/EU funding landscape.
• Interest in progressing toward professional registration.

Working Environment & Benefits

• 4‑day working week option
• Hybrid working up to 2 days per week
• Access to world‑class labs and cutting‑edge laser machining equipment
• Supportive, collaborative engineering environment
• Strong emphasis on coaching, development and structured career growth

Reference Checks and Security Checks

Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.

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