Technical Lead Tooling

We are seeking a team-player who is passionate about innovative technology to play a major role in the leadership, management and expansion of applied research, innovation and knowledge transfer in Tooling. For this post "Tooling" refers to the Assembly & Fixture tooling, Tooling for advanced composite and polymer component processing, Additive Tooling technology and may include cutting tool developments. You will lead and develop a team of engineers, scientists and technicians in the strategic direction and delivery of multiple concurrent Tooling projects across AMIC.

Tooling projects will cover managing diverse range of tool manufacturing processes and validation methodologies. You will work in collaboration with different AMIC technology areas, technology providers, national technology centres, academia and industry to deliver key projects, develop regional and international links, and secure partnerships and funding. You will support senior managers with a proactive approach in the identification, technical specification and delivery of new and novel materials & technology capabilities and strategies that will have a direct technical, economic and reputational benefit to AMIC, industry and Northern Ireland.

About the person:
To be successful, you must have:
Honours Degree, or equivalent, in related engineering discipline or substantial relevant experience working in a similar role. Substantial relevant experience managing multifaceted industrial-focused tooling research & development projects on time and within budget. Expert proficiency in CAD/CAM software (e.g. CATIA, NX, Solid Works, Mastercam) and tooling simulation software for composites with demonstrated ability to integrate digital technologies into tooling design workflows.

Evidence of in-depth expertise in tooling design and validation across multiple manufacturing processes (e.g. Assembly and fixture tooling across multiple sectors, hard and soft tooling for processes such as RTM, Autoclave Cure and press moulding for composites and injection moulding and rotational moulding for wider polymers, modular tooling systems, rapid tooling, additive manufactured tooling, etc), including correlation between tooling design, process requirements and component performance.

Demonstrable experience leading tooling design development, optimisation and implementation across multiple concurrent projects, with evidence of effective technical outcomes through major project delivery, reports, publications, patents or product designs. Strong experience of collaborative working, team leadership and project leadership, including management of cross-functional engineering teams to deliver complex composite manufacturing outcomes.

Experience of building networks of industrial and research stakeholders across the UK, Ireland and internationally, with proven ability to secure substantial business partnerships or funding to support composite research activities. For a full list of the essential and desirable criteria, please review the Candidate Information on our website. 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 is a 3 year fixed term post. 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.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website. 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 our website. If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.