MTC - Manufacturing Technology Centre
Senior Research Engineer

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The Vacancy
Shape the Future of Advanced Manufacturing
At the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), we are at the forefront of innovation, helping manufacturers transform ideas into industrial reality. As part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, we work alongside leading industrial partners, academic institutions and government bodies to develop and scale breakthrough technologies.
We are now seeking a talented Senior Research Engineer to join our Materials Technology team in Coventry and play a key role in developing next-generation thin film deposition technologies for high-value manufacturing sectors including defence, aerospace, energy and advanced engineering.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for a degree, Master's or PhD-qualified Engineer or Materials Scientist with expertise in thin film technologies to take ownership of cutting-edge research and development projects.
You'll be a recognised technical specialist, leading the delivery of innovative projects from concept through to industrial application, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, customers and stakeholders.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the technical delivery of research and development projects involving advanced thin-film deposition technologies.
- Support the development, optimisation and scale-up of manufacturing processes.
- Act as a subject matter expert, providing technical guidance to engineers, customers and industrial partners.
- Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes, quality standards and health and safety practices.
- Take ownership of project deliverables, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and to customer expectations.
- Contribute to innovative engineering research focused on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) 3+.
- Support the identification and implementation of new technology capabilities across MTC and customer environments.
- Oversee project compliance, technical governance, commissioning activities and budget management.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
We're looking for an ambitious and technically capable engineer who thrives in a research-led, industrial environment.
Essential Requirements
- Degree, Master's or PhD in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Practical experience with vapour deposition processes.
- Strong understanding of vacuum systems.
- Experience using thin-film and materials characterisation techniques, such as:
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
- X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
- Interferometry
- Mechanical and tribological testing.
Desirable Experience
- Knowledge of functional coatings for aerospace, defence, energy, optical, electronic or industrial applications.
- Experience scaling laboratory processes into manufacturing environments.
- Understanding of vacuum system design, diagnostics and maintenance.
- Experience working within regulated or high-technology manufacturing sectors.
Why Join MTC?
- Work with world-leading manufacturing technologies and facilities.
- Collaborate with some of the brightest engineering and scientific minds in the UK.
- Deliver projects with real industrial impact across multiple sectors.
- Access excellent professional development opportunities and career progression.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and flexible working arrangements.
About The MTC
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation, bridging the gap between academia and manufacturing, and is home to some of the brightest minds in engineering from around the globe.


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The MTC's engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world in a supportive and collegiate environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers of all sizes develop new and innovative processes and technologies.
Established to prove cutting edge manufacturing advances in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, the MTC works with hundreds of industrial clients across a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food and drink, infrastructure, construction and civil engineering, electronics, oil and gas and defence. The MTC helps businesses thrive by advancing their technological and engineering capabilities to improve their business efficiency, capability and competitiveness.
Supported by one of the largest public sector investments in UK Manufacturing, the MTC's engineering capabilities cover research and development, advanced manufacturing management, factory design and training for the skills of the future.
The MTC has world-class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and is part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.
Reference Checks and Security Checks (where applicable)
Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.
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