Technical Specialist in Plasma Engineering

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Additive Manufacturing and Hydrogen Technologies Team at Manchester Metropolitan University as a Plasma Engineer Technical Specialist. Based in John Dalton, inside the Atmospheric Plasma Engineering laboratories, this is an exciting opportunity to use your specialist skills to support the research, teaching and industrial partners projects taking place in Manchester Metropolitan University.

The AirFeed: Self-Reliant Farming From Air is an Innovate UK funded project. The Atmospheric Plasma Engineering research team is aiming to develop and validate a mobile plasma prototype that can operate dependably and reliably on farms.

Working together with the academic team, the technical specialist will be refining and scaling up of the existing atmospheric pressure plasma system, performing the required analysis, testing, and troubleshooting, liaising with industrial and research partners to successfully deliver the objectives of this collaborative project.

This is a fixed term 18 month position that is estimated to start ASAP.

As a Technical Specialist, you will:
- Work independently in your specialist area, taking responsibility for a designated workspace and the provision of an excellent service.
- Be responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and general maintenance of specialist equipment in your area.
- Devise innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
- Train service users in the use of specialist equipment and software.
- Be willing to undergo training on the uses of the required analytical services.
- Be able to design, build, develop and operate atmospheric pressure plasma systems.

To succeed in this role, you will possess:
- A doctoral level qualification in plasma related research. Degree in Mechanical Design / Manufacturing / Chemical Engineering or industrial experience in a closely related subject.
- Detailed and extensive knowledge of theory and practice of atmospheric pressure plasma reactors design and operation.
- A well-established experience of using engineering drawing software such as CAD.
- Good hands-on experience in manufacturing prototypes.

Personal attributes:
- Ability to collect, organise and synthesise complex data from different sources.
- Communication of findings succinctly via oral presentations and written reports and articles.
- Pro-active, motivated, resourceful and able to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Able to effectively manage time whilst keeping to a schedule of work and be organised in documenting progress throughout the project.

You will be part of a large and diverse Technical Team that works in specialist laboratories, workshops, studios and IT facilities. Our technical team play a key role supporting, guiding, and advising across our university, from sciences, engineering, art, design and technology through to sports, ceramics, nursing and physiotherapy.

Benefits include: 25 days leave + Christmas closure + Bank holidays (extra 5 days after 5 years of service), travel loan, wellbeing platform, life insurance, access to campus facilities, enhanced parental leave, and high-quality guaranteed pension.