School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing

Manufacturing / Welding Engineering and Laser Processing Centre

Advanced Laser Joining Technologist (KTP Associate)

Fixed Term Contract for 33 months 

£30,000 to £35,000 per annum 

Location: SPI Lasers, Wellington Park, Tollbar way, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2QU

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate in a collaborative project between SPI Lasers Ltd. and Cranfield University. This project will embed and exploit novel technical capabilities in laser welding to support fibre laser sales for advanced manufacturing. 

SPI Lasers Ltd. (SPI) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of fibre lasers serving the industrial laser materials processing market through the latest generation single mode fibre lasers. As a KTP Associate, you will be based at SPI Lasers Southampton (UK), a leading manufacturer of industrial fiber lasers, with occasional travel to Cranfield University. You will work in conjunction with the Welding Engineering and Laser Processing Centre (WELP). The WELP Centre is part of the Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in laser based production processes and is internationally leading in the area of laser joining and processing of metals and alloys.  

In this role, you lead the development of similar and dissimilar joining of metals through application focused research and previous fundamental understanding developed within the Centre. During the project lifespan you will enjoy a personal development budget of £5,500.

The main purpose of this role is to understand the fundamental laser-metal interaction and develop novel applications with similar and dissimilar structural alloys for the e-mobility sector. SPI lasers are keen to develop novel applications for their latest generation single mode fibre lasers which generate very high precision beam quality. Along with the state-of-the-art in laser scanning technology, you will explore novel configurations and dissimilar combinations for battery applications.

This role requires some understanding on characterisation techniques to understand and correlate joint mechanical performance to microstructural features and micro-constituents.  

The key requirements for this role are:

• A Masters level degree in Materials / Physics / Mechanical Engineering discipline or equivalent
• Knowledge in the application of laser processing and an understanding of laser metal interaction principles
• Experience of welding / joining / processing of materials and laser processing of materials
• Excellent organisation skills and the ability to communicate at different levels with different groups / audiences

It would be advantageous if you have knowledge of laser science and experience of working within a consortium and managing projects.  
 
For an informal discussion, please contact (CU Supervisor) Supriyo Ganguly, Senior Lecturer in Welding Science, on (T); +44 (0)1234 750111 Ext. 5054 or (E); s.ganguly@cranfield.ac.uk  

At Cranfield, we value Diversity and Inclusion, and aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect and realise their full potential.  We actively consider flexible working options such as part-time, compressed or flexible hours and/or an element of homeworking, and commit to exploring the possibilities for each role. 

Apply online now at www.cranfield.ac.uk/hr or contact us for further details on E: hr@cranfield.ac.uk or T: +44 (0)1234 750111 Ext. 4109. For any enquiries, please quote reference number 2914. 

Closing date for receipt of applications:  31 March 2019

Interviews to be held:  11 April 2019

www.cranfield.ac.uk/ktp