Application Engineer - KTP Associate - Laser Prototypes Europe

Through the Knowledge Transfer Partnership Programme, Laser Prototypes (Europe) (LPE) in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre have an exciting employment opportunity for a motivated mechanical engineering graduate to deliver a project to enhance our Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) capabilities to meet the exacting standards of aerospace production, addressing current limitations and technical challenges, positioning LPE as a leader in innovative aerospace manufacturing solutions.

Since its inception in 1994, LPE has been at the forefront of additive manufacturing services, specialising in plastic and metal components primarily for rapid prototyping applications. With three decades of experience, we have established ourselves as a reputable contract manufacturer. As part of our growth strategy, we aim to transition into aerospace production, leveraging our expertise in DMLS and CNC post machining. 

This role is company-based, the successful candidate will become part of a team within LPE working in a fast-paced high-tech environment with the opportunity to learn, operate and program both DMLS and CNC machines, providing the candidate with a comprehensive technical knowledge.

A KTP role is the perfect launchpad for your career providing the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge and skills to deliver a strategic innovation project within a company. One of the unique benefits to KTP is access to a substantial development budget and the support and guidance of Queen’s world-class academics and researchers. This role offers an excellent opportunity to work closely between academia and industry whilst developing your skills to run and manage projects.

As a KTP Associate, you will lead on the delivery of the following key project stages:

Stage 1: Project Exploration
Stage 2: Process Development and Testing
Stage 3: Technology Implementation
Stage 4: Process Implementation
Stage 5: Process Optimisation
Stage 6: Advanced Automation

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
1. Hold at least a 2.1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing Engineering or a closely related
discipline.
2. Completion of a relevant research project or student placement. Applicants should indicate how their experience could be
applied to this post.
3. Ability to think logically, have a passion to find solution to technically challenging problems and make informed decisions.
4. A high level of numeracy and the ability to interpret data.
5. Ability to multi-task and work independently.
6. Someone that can work in a high-tech field that that have high demands for excellence under tight deadlines.
7. Good oral, written and presentation skills.
8. High level of IT skills.
9. Self-motivated, capable of working independently, with a drive and ambition to succeed.
10. Ability to work effectively as a member of a group.
11. Enthusiasm for research/project area.
12. Well organised, attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.
13. An interest in staying with the Company (Associates are normally invited to apply for permanent positions).
14. Ability to take part in Associate management courses (requiring two one-week periods in England).
15. Willing/able to travel throughout the UK and Ireland and abroad as necessary.
16. Ability to attend work place (LPE, 4 Prince Regent Road, Belfast BT5 6QR) and other work locations as required.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
1. Hold, or be about to obtain, a higher degree in a relevant discipline.
2. Demonstrable relevant experience in additive manufacturing.
3. Demonstrable relevant experience in CNC.
4. Significant relevant work experience.
5. Understanding of Metallurgy Material science*
6. Understanding of automation (Industry 4.0) *may be demonstrated through the completion of a module, student project or
placement.
7. Ability to deliver training and follow-up support to operatives.
8. Ability to influence people effectively.
9. Tenacious and committed to achieving goals.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

This post is available for 24 months. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit www.qub.ac.uk/diversity.