Research & Development Lead

If you have experience leading multi-discipline Research and Development projects, in the areas of Advanced Mechanical Engineering - Physics – Thermofluids – Fluid Mechanics - Materials Engineering – Metallurgy - Additive Manufacturing, Computational Modelling, Controls and Instrumentation - Vacuum Induction Melting, we have a unique opportunity with potential for development for the right candidate.  

Phoenix Scientific Industries (PSI) Ltd supplies specialist equipment designed and manufactured in-house for the Advanced Materials industry with products and technologies that span many aspects of the industry. Our technology is sold throughout the world and offers customers a research or production scale machine to produce refined, alloyed, highly valuable metal powder products for Additive Manufacturing, HIP casting, and many applications. 

Our R&D programs, in partnership with leading Industry partners from Defence, Aerospace, and advanced Manufacturing, as well as leading Universities / Research institutes, are expanding and offer the opportunity for an experienced R&D lead to be involved in exciting new technology developments.  

Reporting to the Director of Research and Technology, this role offers the successful candidate the opportunity to take the lead on our R&D projects, supported by our experienced in-house Engineering, Design and Manufacturing teams.

Job Specification & Qualifications

• Degree qualified in a relevant subject.
• Must be seeking a long-term role in a growing Commercial / R&D environment with potential for progression within the department.  
• Taking the lead on projects of varying technology and materials processes.
• Effective project management, financial forecasting, technical and project risk management, quarterly review meetings with partners, technical leadership of partners and academic research activities, planning and organisation of in-house R&D test activities.
• Includes a mixture of office and leading “hands-on” workshop/laboratory assignments.
• May represent PSI during conferences, meetings, and overseas exhibitions.
• Projects will include Computational modelling (CFD, FEA), performed in-house and by partners, this work must be fully understood and well managed. 
• May be required at times to provide support to other business functions (design, sales and purchasing) on specialist subjects.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills to facilitate close working relationships with customers, suppliers, subcontractors, funding bodies, consortium partners and PSI personnel.
• Demonstrable ability to work consistently under times of pressure. Must be comfortable with handling uncertainty inherent in R&D activity and flexible when work tasks change or develop rapidly.
• A self-motivated personality, with the drive to achieve excellence in all activities undertaken.
• The role may also include other tasks and duties that may be required as directed.

The role is based at PSI’s Hailsham site but may involve occasional UK travel and short overseas visits in support of our worldwide customer base. Due to the nature of the work this role cannot be fulfilled by working on a remote basis.

Essentials:
Full UK Driving Licence and ability to travel globally as required

Working Hours:
37.5 hour working week

Holiday entitlement:
Year 1 = 22 days / Year 2 onwards = 25 days
(Plus, Bank holidays)

Job Type: Permanent 
Start Date: Immediate