School/Department School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing
Based at Off Campus
Hours of work 38 hours per week, worked flexibly Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 6.00pm (to be mutually agreed)
Contract type Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Period 30 months
Salary £26,000 to £27,000 per annum, dependent upon qualifications and experience, plus personal development budget of £5,000
Apply by 12/08/2020

Role Description

Off-campus Location:  Cambridge Vacuum Engineering, 43 Pembroke Avenue, Denny Industrial Estate, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB25 9QX

An exciting opportunity to work as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate has arisen as part of a collaboration project between Cambridge Vacuum Engineering and Cranfield University. The project will focus on the development a novel in-vacuum laser welding system for high value manufacturing. The team is looking to develop a robust, intelligent and efficient system for delivery of high quality and high productivity welded joints.     

Our people are our most valuable resource and everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of our university, developing our learners, and transforming the businesses we work with.

Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) designs and builds process solutions and has more than 60 years’ experience manufacturing Electron Beam systems and Vacuum Furnaces For more information on the host company please visit https://www.camvaceng.com/   You will be based at CVE, and will work closely with the engineering and system development team as well as a team of academics at the Cranfield Welding Engineering and Laser Processing Centre.

Cranfield Manufacturing is one of the eight themes at Cranfield University offering a distinctive approach to manufacturing and materials research, education and training and consultancy. We combine expertise in design, technology and management, along with research into materials sciences, all with a focus on manufacturing. Our capabilities are unique, with a focus on simulation and modelling, and sustainability.  Established in 1961, the Welding Engineering and Laser Processing Centre (WELPC) is the only specialist welding research centre in UK academia.

Your role will lead the development of a novel in-vacuum laser welding system for high value manufacturing. The project is looking to embed novel technical capabilities in Cambridge Vacuum Technology and commercialize on innovative leading welding technology in partnership with Cranfield University. You will be addressing many challenges related to process understanding, such as formation of liquid metal, melt dynamics defects prevention, as well as working with both the engineering and academic team to implement the innovations from this project and exploit them in a commercial system. You will be managing the project and seek for commercial exploitation.

This role requires knowledge of laser or electron beam welding along with basic understanding of material science and system design. Knowledge of high power laser optics and vacuum systems would also be desirable in this role. Demonstrative experience of conducting industry relevant research is also desirable. You will hold an MSc level degree in a mechanical engineering or physics related subject, or preferably, a PhD (obtained or near completion) in one of these areas.

The project will require frequent commuting between the host company and the academic partner therefore a valid UK or equivalent driving license is desirable.  

In return, you will have exciting opportunities for career development in this key system engineer position, and to be at the forefront of support and development from theworld leading research and education environment.

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. To further demonstrate our commitment to progressing gender diversity in STEM, we are members of WES & Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day.

Our equal opportunities and diversity monitoring has shown that women and minority ethnic groups are currently underrepresented within the university and so we actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from these groups.

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. Find out more here.

For an informal discussion, please contact (CU Supervisor) Dr Wojciech Suder, Lecturer in laser processing, via email on (E); w.j.suder@cranfield.ac.uk

Interviews to be held: 25 August 2020