Opportunity

​MPI have a Permanent position for a Composites Technician based at Cranfield with a stating Salary of £35,559.00

We welcome applications for this exciting post from those with relevant technical and engineering skills, ideally with experience of 3D printers, CAD software, i.e., Solidworks, design skills, basic knowledge of composite materials and potentially knowledge of the operation of twin screw extruders.  Training will be offered to the right candidate.

About the Role
This role is based in the Enhanced Composites & Structures Centre, which with its advanced design and manufacturing capability, is an established partner to manufacturers and the members of their supply chains through short courses, consultancy and research. The Centre investigates and develops materials and processing technology for lightweight and efficient structures and combines an expertise in low-cost manufacturing with modelling, simulation and structural health monitoring technologies.  This key role is part of a Centre that is world leading in composites design and manufacturing. Composites are used in many areas, this can be in Motorsport, Aerospace and Robotics applications and exposure to these and other industries is a key part of this role.
The work in this post will involve design of laboratory research equipment, assembly of laboratory equipment, operation of our cutting-edge rigs, operation of graphene spraying rig, communication and support of senior academics in the Centre, training MSc research students, supporting the operation of the Centre’s brand new thermo mechanical suite and procurement of consumables for the Centre.

About You
In this key role, you will be expected to demonstrate excellent organisational and planning skills to help co-ordinate research activities within the laboratory and to liaise with researchers effectively. You will have excellent communication skills to liaise with students and researchers undertaking the research and to communicate the outputs of experiments to colleagues who are responsible for the research activity. You will also participate in project meetings where the results are formally presented and discussed. Helping to communicate effectively with industrial customers on an informal basis is expected of this role. There will be regular interaction with academic colleagues at all levels to meet project requirements and also the need to communicate effectively with suppliers to ensure that the equipment and materials required for the research are delivered in a timely and cost-effective fashion.  In addition to the essential mechanical and technical skills required, also desirable though not essential is knowledge of robot programming and control systems, CNC programming, high pressure gas testing and setup, preparing and monitoring additive manufacture processes, and operating Thermal Analyzer instruments.  In return, you will be at the forefront of world leading research and education, joining a supportive team and working environment.

About Manufacturing
Cranfield Manufacturing (which includes major activities in Materials) is following the ambitious strategy of developing a roadmap for a Sustainable Manufacturing Sector for 2050 by applying fundamental science and thought leadership via conceiving and maturing the concepts of Smart, Clean and Green manufacturing solutions agnostically across all sectors and through all tiers of the supply chain with SMEs as well as OEMs. This is to support the national aspiration of Net Zero UK by 2050. We offer world-class and niche post-graduate level research, education, training and consultancy. We are unique in our multi-disciplinary approach by bringing together design, materials’ technology and management expertise. We link fundamental materials research with manufacturing to develop novel technologies and improve the science base of the manufacturing research. Our capabilities are unique, with a focus on simulation and modelling, and sustainability.  They also include work in composite manufacture, metallic glasses, nano-materials (graphene, coatings and sensors), low energy casting, thermal barrier coatings and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM).