KTP Associate – Optical Design Engineer

This post is a KTP associateship within the Institute of Thin Films, Sensors, and Imaging. The associate will work with a global leader in advanced industrial process control technologies for thin film deposition. With the aim of expanding and improving Intellemetrics’ line of optical monitoring systems – and working with a multidisciplinary team formed of industry and academic experts – the associate will draw from their experience in thin film physics, electronics design, and software engineering, to achieve this goal.

The associate will be tasked with the design, development, and construction of various critical sub-assemblies that form the basis of an optical monitoring system, including optical, electronic, firmware, and software components. These components will be used in the construction of novel optical monitoring products, as well as enhancing the existing software and hardware ecosystem within the company. Testing, and integration of the new product line will occur at UWS as well as external partner companies located within the UK.

What you’ll be doing:

• Design the various sub-assemblies (optical, electronic, firmware, software, etc) that compose the finalised broadband optical monitoring system.
• Update the work plan to ensure that the project is delivered in a timely manner, and to mitigate any external factors affecting the delivery of the project.
• Communicate the progress of the project with key stakeholders (i.e. academic team, industrial team, and Innovate-UK management staff). This will involve preparing quarterly reports, attending meetings with the local management team, delivering presentations, and preparing a final report to be submitted at the conclusion of the project
• Attend training (10% of project time), for the benefit of themselves, as well as the industrial partner by bringing in new skills to the company.

What we’re looking for:

Essential:

• Minimum MSc in Physics /Chemical /Material Science /Thin Film Optics.
• Experience in a number of areas including optical thin films, optical filter design, Firmware and software development.

Desirable:

• Chartered Membership of appropriate professional body (IOP etc)
• Ideally experience of working in cross-disciplinary teams of varying expertise and experience.
• Process operating and optimization for thin film deposition. Particularly experience in optical monitoring for thin film deposition.

What you’ll get:

• £6,000 personal training budget + access to national KTP leadership training
• Dedicated support from both academic experts and senior company leaders
• The chance to publish academic work and attend conferences (if that interests you)

Closing Date: Thursday 4th September 2025
Interview Date: Thursday 18th September 2025

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided). The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged. You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

If you have questions about this vacancy contact: Prof Shigeng Song, and Dr Simon Hicks

About KTP:

This position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK. It’s essential you understand how KTP works with business and the University, and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position. Please visit: www.uws.ac.uk/business/knowledge-expertise/knowledge-transfer-partnerships/ or contact Stuart McKay

WHY UWS?

We support you – We are the only Scottish University to have a dedicated KTP centre, meaning you are fully supported throughout your time with the company by UWS staff. We are growing – In 2019, UWS were the top performing University in the UK by value of secured KTP projects. KTP is a strategic priority at UWS. The only Scottish University with a dedicated KTP Centre and an award winning team supporting you throughout your KTP and professional development journey.