Research & Development Engineer - Forging Technologies (739331)

Undertake a knowledge exchange project under guidance; build a personal exchange portfolio; develop proposals with senior support; contribute to research, teaching, and admin as needed. Manage workload with mentorship while growing specialist skills in forging technologies.

FTE: 1
Term: Fixed (24 months)
Location: AFRC, Inchinnan, Renfrew

The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow is home to one of the UK’s leading Engineering faculties, recognized internationally for its research excellence and strong track record of successful partnerships with industry and enterprise. As part of the University’s strategic investment in advanced manufacturing, the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) was established near Glasgow International Airport. The AFRC is a £30 million collaborative initiative between industrial, academic, and government partners aimed at delivering world-class research in forging and forming technologies. The Centre operates as a specialised facility within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and plays a vital role in enhancing the UK’s manufacturing innovation landscape.

As the AFRC continues to expand its capabilities and impact, we are looking to appoint an experienced and enthusiastic Forging Technology Engineer – Knowledge Exchange Associate. This role focuses on delivering high-value research and knowledge exchange programs centred on the development and industrial application of advanced forging processes. This is an exciting opportunity to directly improve manufacturing performance across various sectors through applied research, process simulation, tooling design, and hands-on forging trials.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team and closely with AFRC’s industrial members and research teams to deliver innovative forging solutions, provide expert technical input into collaborative projects, and help translate cutting-edge research into tangible, real-world outcomes. With recent major investments in industrial-scale forging and digital infrastructure, as well as growing collaborations across NMIS initiatives such as the Digital Factory and tool life improvement programs, the Centre provides a well-resourced environment for ambitious engineering professionals to thrive. This role offers the chance to work at the intersection of academic excellence and industrial application, contributing to the future of forging technologies in the UK and beyond.

To be considered for this position, candidates should have the knowledge, skills, and experience typically associated with a first-degree and a PhD, or equivalent professional experience in relevant disciplines such as Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. You will possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in your field to contribute to knowledge exchange programs and activities. Additionally, you should be capable of conducting individual knowledge exchange projects, working directly and independently with clients, and preparing new knowledge exchange proposals.

While not essential, we welcome applications from candidates who have membership or are working towards membership of a relevant Chartered or professional body (including the Higher Education Academy), as well as those with experience in relevant student supervision and teaching activities.

* Whilst we seek to appoint at Grade 7, R&D Engineer level, candidates with less experience may also be considered for appointment. Dependent on the skills and experience of the candidate, appointment to Grade 6, Assistant R&D Engineer, may be considered.

The successful candidate must be willing to undergo UK security clearance in order to work on sensitive or restricted projects.

For informal enquiries, please contact Paolo Parolin, Forging Theme Lead - paolo.parolin@strath.ac.uk.

Click here for full details.pdf.

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