Monitoring System Development Engineer; KTP Associate

Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST) – Brunel University of London (BUL) / ESR Technology Ltd (ESR)

Location: 202 Cavendish Place, Birchwood Park, Birchwood, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6WU

Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Hours: Full-time

Contract Type: Fixed term 36 months

This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer, physicist or sensor technologist to work at the forefront of predictive maintenance technology, developing an innovative gas-phase Lubricant Condition Monitoring System (LCMS) for high-value industrial vacuum pump applications.

Based primarily at ESR Technology, you will develop and validate sensing technologies capable of detecting lubricant degradation products in vacuum pump bearings operating in harsh vacuum environments. You will design and conduct laboratory and field experiments, analyse sensor data, and develop health indicators that enable predictive maintenance.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with experts in sensor technology, vacuum systems and electronics to develop, test and deploy a novel condition monitoring solution. The role will involve sensor selection, prototype development, system validation and preparation for future commercialisation.

This role is delivered through a 36-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Brunel University London and ESR Technology Ltd, providing a structured environment for professional development, advanced training, and close collaboration between industry and academia.

The Associate must have a strong background in engineering, physics, materials science, tribology or a related discipline, ideally holding a PhD or an MSc with relevant industrial or research experience. Mandatory competencies include experience in experimental research, data analysis and technology development. Knowledge of sensors, instrumentation, electronics, condition monitoring systems or data acquisition is advantageous, while programming skills (Python, MATLAB or similar) are desirable.

Must be comfortable working across multiple technical disciplines, from laboratory research and prototype development through to testing, validation and industrial deployment. Must be capable of working effectively between university and industrial partner, managing activities across multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication skills, an organised approach to project delivery, and self‑sufficiency are essential.

• A £6,000 personal development budget and access to Innovate UK‑sponsored training courses.
• 10% of working time allocated to development activities throughout the project.
• Access to BUL’s resources.
• Potential for career development with the company, continuing to lead lubricant condition monitoring activities and system evolution based on the system developed within the project.

13 August 2026

Brunel University London has a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our aim is to promote and achieve a fully inclusive workforce to reflect our community.