Senior Research And Development Engineer

The Company:

Atomising Systems Limited (ASL) is a family-based metallurgy manufacturing Company, based in Darnall, currently employing 80+ staff.

ASL of Sheffield is the world leading Supplier of atomising technology and equipment. Established in 1992, the Company founders have over 40 years experience in atomising technology and innovation. ASL is based on innovation and a solid commitment to Research and Development. As the demands of the global powder industry evolve, and new applications emerge, ASL continue to develop and grow into emerging markets.

ASL’s powder customers vary from those requiring large volumes to those needing only test batches or test production campaigns. Our production service is large enough to serve customer needs, yet still flexible enough to produce special powders with unique chemistries or particle sizes.

Job Purpose: Following the retirement of our founder, ASL needs to strengthen its team of technical specialists, charged with overseeing the development of its atomising technology for metal powder production, and with assisting the production team in producing new metal powders to client specifications. They also provide support to the engineering function in designing plants for sale, in training client staff in Sheffield and on-site during start-up. Working with a well-equipped QC laboratory and the Quality Manager, you will be involved in troubleshooting and upgrading of the existing in-house gas and water atomisers, including ultra-high pressure water atomisers, as well as possible work on centrifugal atomisation for external customers. ASL has supplied over 100 plants in 34 countries to process a huge range of metals, including electronic solders, lead, zinc, aluminium, magnesium, copper, silver, gold, platinum, nickel, cobalt and steels. Thus, our expertise is very varied, including melting and handling of molten metals (including optimal ceramic selection), the atomisation process itself, and many ancillary systems for cooling, safety, sieving, classification, dewatering, drying, water recycling and filtration, high (1-300bar) and ultra-high (>1000bar pumping), pollution control, instrumentation, QA, sampling, blending and packing.

Our team already includes engineers, process engineers, and metallurgist/materials scientists, who all learn from each other to cover the very wide range of complex problems that can arise in the design and selection of modern process equipment, including the necessary computer and PLC systems for their operation and data acquisition.

Key responsibilities:

· Work with colleagues on analysing data and problem-solving

· Work with Engineering on design of necessary new plant or modifications

· Learn about metal, especially stainless steel, powder specifications and our in-house processes for producing them

· Work on optimisation of process yields and economics

· Make technical presentations to colleagues and customers

· Produce technical reports for customers

· Help Sales and Engineering to draw up specifications for plants to be built for external clients

Personal Specifications:

· Display a ‘can-do’ attitude towards any jobs that must be done

· The ability to communicate (both written and verbal) with colleagues & managers accurately and timely

· Able to demonstrate a good aptitude for learning complex operations – numerate with weights and measures.

· A keen eye for detail and appreciation of the importance of getting the work done accurately and timely.

· Able to produce accurate records & reports for compliance and traceability purposes

· Be reliable & trustworthy

· Be able to work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to achieve desired outcomes

· Be able to work in a professional manner to uphold the reputation of the company

· Able to work 40 hours per week.

· No restrictions on travel such as; willingness to travel and stay away from home for extended periods of time as determined by the project; full valid passport; no reasons to be refused entry to countries outside the UK.

· Must be able to provide documentation to prove the Right to Work in the UK.

Minimum Education/Certification Requirements and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field with at least 5 years’ experience in an engineering role.

· Proven track record delivering technical projects

· Excellent project management and organisational abilities

· Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

· Strong technical background and experience with specific technologies relevant to the company’s needs (Powder handling and processing/manufacturing)

· Experience in Flowsheets and P&IDs

· Experience in Melting of metals

· Experience in Heat transfer systems

· Experience in Gas and water handling

· Previously has worked in or managing a team of technical staff.

· Commercial and economic considerations

Benefits:

· Starting salary is £40,000 – £50,000 per annum D.O.E

· Overnight allowance when travelling.

· Healthcare Scheme available to opt in.

· Cycle-to-work scheme

· Employee assistance program.

· ASL offers 29 days holiday per year (this includes public holidays), an additional 1 day is accrued at 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th year of service. In addition, Christmas shutdown gives an additional 3 working days between the statutory Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

· Holiday Buyback scheme.

· There is an annual profit share bonus paid around March or April for eligible employees.

· The Company pays contributions of 5% into your workplace pension.

Closing date: 31st January 2024

Interviews to take place: From 5th February

Appointment commences: Spring