Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate (Ultrasonic Transducer Engineer) (111979-0826) in Sedgefield

This post is part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) initiative funded by Innovate UK. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is a UK-wide programme that has been helping businesses for the past 40 years to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge and skills that reside within the UK Knowledge Base.

The Associate will be responsible for the management and delivery of an Innovate UK awarded KTP between Warwick University and Coltraco Ltd., improving the company’s expertise in ultrasonic sensor design and manufacturing, including sourcing the correct materials, designing and manufacturing sensors with the appropriate matching layers, enclosures, electronics, and couplants for the intended functions.

We do not expect the successful candidate to have any previous experience in ultrasonic transducer design or fabrication, but if they do this may be an advantage. You will normally be based at Coltraco’s premises, and will be subject to their hours of work (40 hours per week) and holiday provisions (20 days per annum as well as statutory bank holidays).

The Associate will develop expertise in the use of Coltraco’s analogue and digital products to a level where they can undertake technical demonstrations. They will also evaluate the properties of Coltraco’s ultrasonic transducers to identify areas for improvement, while quantitatively analysing the performance of the transducers, identifying failure rates, and producing technical descriptions of any performance issues.

The Associate will undertake background reading on the underlying science and engineering behind ultrasonic transducers and the interaction of ultrasound with relevant stimuli (i.e. the materials and objects tested with Coltraco’s products). Ultimately, the Associate will be expected to put their learned knowledge into practice by designing new ultrasonic transducers for Coltraco’s current and future products, with properties ideally suited to the relevant applications.

The Associate must work with their colleagues to develop suitable manufacturing methods so that their designs may be effectively realised in a scalable, repeatable fashion. Reporting to the project supervisor at Coltraco Ltd., the Associate will work as part of a dynamic engineering team ensuring new knowledge gained is embedded within the company through clear designs and manufacturing methods for new ultrasonic transducers, training materials and the creation of documentation.

Warwick will provide specialised technical support and supervision to the Associate to ensure Coltraco Ltd. is an industry leader driven by world class research. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Coltraco Ultrasonics is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in ultrasonic and acoustic monitoring systems, established with a commitment to safety and operational efficiency operating across 25 different market sectors and 120+ countries. Coltraco has developed advanced, non-invasive technologies for sectors such as marine, defence, power generation, and fire safety.

The Centre for Industrial Ultrasonics (CIU) is based in the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick, and was set up to help industrial organisations get access to specialised research expertise and equipment. The CIU consists of a large team that spans the Faculty of Science, led by five highly experienced academics who have run a number of very successful, large scale research projects and technology transfer programmes.

The Department of Physics is a vibrant academic department with over 200 academic, research, technical and professional services staff, over 800 undergraduate students and 200 postgraduate research students. We are proud of our diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining an excellent record in teaching and research by ensuring that there is equality of opportunity for all, fostered in an environment of mutual respect and dignity.

We are pleased to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our ongoing work to advance gender equality for all staff and students. We also hold an Institute of Physics Inclusion Award in support of our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including: an attractive pension scheme, 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure, generous parental/adoption leave policy, onsite childcare facilities, and excellent learning and development opportunities. We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.