Careers
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland is a team of world-leading academic researchers, industry experts, and business professionals working together to transform manufacturing in Scotland by working with companies of all sizes from across the manufacturing world.
We’re always looking for the best and brightest talent to join us in breaking down barriers to help manufacturers achieve their full potential.
FTE: 1
Term: Open-ended
Closing Date: 13 March 2025
Location: AFRC, Renfrew
The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow possesses a large internationally rated Engineering Faculty with a proud history of successful joint ventures with industrial and enterprise partners. As part of the University’s strategic development the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) has been established at Inchinnan near Glasgow’s International Airport in partnership with multi-national companies such as Rolls-Royce and The Boeing Company. The AFRC is the embodiment of the University’s proud history of successful joint ventures with industrial and enterprise partners and is a world-leading research facility for forging and forming technologies created with multi-million pound collaborative investment by Industrial, Academic and Government partners.
The AFRC is seeking to appoint a Materials & Residual Stress Team Lead who will lead and manage a range of individual and collaborative knowledge exchange activities within the AFRC’s Materials & Residual Stress group, disseminating results through regular and sustained publications in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings. As the Principal- or Co-Investigator, lead the development and submission of proposals to appropriate external bodies for knowledge exchange funding of significant value and manage grants awarded. You will support the AFRC engineering knowledge exchange teams, line manage and support a team of Theme Leads, and provide technical leadership and guidance to colleagues. You will generate new knowledge exchange approaches with significant impact and identify, adapt, devise and use appropriate knowledge exchange methodologies and techniques. You will lead and develop internal and external networks of researchers and leading thinkers in the field to foster knowledge exchange collaborations, to identify and deliver common research/knowledge exchange objectives and to generate income. You will also lead the development of knowledge exchange activities by, for example, establishing knowledge exchange links with industry and influencing public policy and the professions. You will contribute to Centre, Institute, Faculty and/or University senior administrative and management functions, for example by convening or participating in relevant committees. You will contribute to the strategic development of the Centre through, for example, developing new knowledge exchange strategies and by anticipating and planning for new directions for yourself and knowledge exchange themes and you will engage in continuous professional development.
To be considered for the role, you will require the knowledge, skills and experience normally associated with a first degree, and will either be educated to PhD level in an appropriate discipline or have significant relevant experience. You will have a growing national reputation for leading significant knowledge exchange projects, resulting in close links with senior staff in with industry, learned societies, government and/or relevant Chartered/professional bodies and a track record of securing knowledge exchange funding and managing associated projects. You will have the ability to play a senior role within a team environment and motivate and lead teams of less experienced staff. You will have experience of line managing a team, including conducting annual reviews and setting performance standards. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences. You will have an established track record in leading the delivery of engineering solutions in an industrial context, as well as experience of taking a leading role in the research and development of manufacturing processes.
For informal enquiries, please contact Alastair Conway, Head of Operations - AFRC - a.p.conway@strath.ac.uk
Click here for full details.pdf
Salary range: £32,296 - £35,880 per annum
FTE: 1
Term: Open-ended
Closing Date: 16 March 2025
Location: NMIS, Renfrew
Do you have a passion for digital marketing, compelling content and storytelling? Are you ready to help shape the online presence of an organisation that’s at the forefront of manufacturing innovation? The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is looking for a dynamic Digital Marketing Officer to join our forward-thinking team.
At NMIS, we drive the future of manufacturing through innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology. From our world-class research and development centres, we work with businesses across Scotland, the UK, and beyond to solve challenges, deliver solutions, and shape a more sustainable future.
What you’ll do
As a Digital Marketing Communications Officer, you will:
• Work with the NMIS marketing and communications team to grow NMIS’ digital channels, ensuring they engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Create impactful multi-media content, including copywriting and creating videos, graphics, web pages and social media campaigns, using relevant software and online tools.
• Support the rollout of new messaging aligned with NMIS’ refreshed strategy, enhancing brand awareness and industry engagement.
• Support the communications team in developing and implementing data-driven digital strategies, tracking performance with tools like Google Analytics and dashboards.
• Plan and execute creative, multi-channel campaigns including social media advertising, email marketing, and online promotions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across NMIS and external stakeholders to support events, projects, and initiatives, ensuring consistent messaging and maximum impact.
About you
We’re looking for someone with:
• A proactive and creative mindset with the ability to work across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage a variety of audiences.
• Great initiative and a willingness to learn.
• Experience using analytics tools to evaluate campaign performance and inform strategies.
• Experience in digital marketing and delivering multi-channel campaigns.
• Content creation skills, including video production, graphic design, and copywriting.
Why join us?
At NMIS, you’ll work at the heart of innovation, collaborating with industry leaders, researchers, engineers, academics, and a passionate team dedicated to transforming manufacturing. You’ll have the opportunity to shape how we communicate, build your skills, and make a real impact on a global stage.
This is your chance to combine creativity, strategy, and innovation to drive the future of digital marketing in manufacturing.
For informal enquiries, please contact Felicity McDonald, Senior Marketing Communications Officer - felicity.mcdonald@strath.ac.uk
Click here for full details.pdf
Salary range: £32,296 - £35,880 per annum
FTE: 1
Term: Open-ended
Closing Date: 16 March 2025
Location: NMIS, Renfrew
The successful candidate will join the NMIS Strategy and Commercial Group and report to the Head of Membership and Strategic Relations. The position will require flexibility, initiative, and responsiveness. Immediate tasks will involve:
• Working closely with the Head of Membership and Strategic Relations to develop and deliver the membership offering at various levels of membership. This includes contributing to the strategic direction of the membership programme, standing-up new membership opportunities, driving membership growth, and fostering stronger partnerships with members and target organisations.
• Leading the provision of some high-value membership services such as the monthly Members’ Newsletter, Member and Cluster-Member activities including breakfast briefings & events and identifying opportunities to maximise the value of NMIS memberships, for example through collaborations with Chambers of Commerce or providing access to guest speaker or specialist groups.
• Providing support to relationship management activities across NMIS, including developing detailed membership reports, analysing trends and patterns, organising and delivering impactful meetings and events, and taking responsibility for membership engagement for key target organisations.
• Capturing, tracking, managing and reporting all membership enquiries in a proactive manner, using independent judgment to resolve issues where appropriate. Weekly updates on membership activities and trends to be provided to the Commercial Group and monthly reports produced and provided to the Senior Management Team.
• Maintaining, enhancing and exploiting the Membership area of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365). This includes ensuring data entry accuracy, generating insights from CRM analytics, and improving the system’s functionality to support membership activities effectively.
The Team
The Membership team sits within the wider Strategy and Commercial Group in NMIS. While the Membership team is small – with just one other person beside this role – it sits within a cooperative and engaged Commercial Group with responsibility for business development, bid-writing, communications and marketing, and engagement with small businesses.
The Challenge
As part of NMIS’s offer to industry and to create supportive, collaborative relationships with our industry partners, NMIS runs a membership model. We currently have over 100 members, who contribute either in-kind or cash, and in return, NMIS provides information, events and the opportunity to participate in collaborative programmes. We are in the process of maturing this offer to ensure it is clear to prospective members, that we encourage more members, and we ensure the relationships we develop are productive and mutually beneficial. This new appointment will support this effort.
Why join us?
This is an exciting time to join NMIS and the Membership team. On the back of a new Strategy and Business Plan, NMIS is due to grow considerably over the next few years, and our Members and our Membership offering will be at the heart of this journey. If you are interested in being at the heart of this journey, this is an excellent time and opportunity to join NMIS.
For informal enquiries, please contact Tracy McCarroll, Head Of Members & Strategic Relations - tracy.mccarroll@strath.ac.uk
FTE: 1
Term: Fixed (12 months)
Closing Date: 20 March 2025
Location: Inchinnan, Renfrew
The AFRC is seeking to appoint an experienced Materials Knowledge Exchange (KE) Associate or Assistant (depending on experience) to support the delivery of high value research programmes focused on materials, processing of materials related to solid state joining & additive technologies, and manufacturing. Recently the Centre has invested significantly in novel forging, solid state joining, advanced materials characterisations and mechanical testing equipment suitable for large scale investigations and continues to develop a multi-disciplinary group that specialises in this area of additive and welding technologies. The Centre is also participating in key NMIS initiatives and programmes like the Digital Factory, with significant contributions to the Additive, Machining and Digital activities.
To further capitalise on this research activity and materialise AFRC’s vision and agenda around processing of materials and Industry 4.0, a Materials KE Associate is required support the delivery of scientific research programmes and lead projects on processing of existing and new alloys, microstructure control and materials/microstructure modelling. Though the primary focus will be on aerospace materials, there is also a significant interest and body of work on materials for the Automotive, Oil & Gas, Energy and Defence sectors. The candidate will also be expected to support and contribute to high value industrial funding proposals in support of a range of projects across the Centre. The post holder will be expected to work between the AFRC and its industrial and academic partners and there will be a strong emphasis on knowledge exchange.
To achieve the above the KE will preferably require some research and/or industrial experience in the following technical areas:
• A broad knowledge of metallic materials and alloys, especially those relevant to the aerospace sector (e.g. Nickel based superalloys, Titanium alloys and Aluminium alloys)
• A broad knowledge of additive and/or joining technologies
• A good basic knowledge of materials and the way that manufacturing processes can develop or modify material’s microstructure and their impact on mechanical properties.
• Hands-on experience with techniques of materials characterization and analysis of data, e.g. SEM, EBSD, optical microscopy
• Hands-on experience on mechanical testing for a range of conditions, i.e. low to high strain rate, room to high temperature, bulk vs sheet material and development of material models
• The use of finite element-based software (e.g. ABAQUS, DEFORM) for process simulation and materials modelling
Thus, you will have an established track record in providing engineering solutions in an industrial context as well as experience of supporting research and development of manufacturing processes. You will have excellent troubleshooting skills, including a methodical approach to solve complex problems and you will have the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
To be considered for the role, you will have a good honours degree and PhD / higher degree (or equivalent professional experience) in appropriate discipline. You will have sufficient knowledge in the relevant disciplines to contribute to knowledge exchange programmes and to the development of knowledge exchange activities. You will have the ability to conduct individual knowledge exchange projects, work directly and independently with clients, and to prepare new knowledge exchange proposals.
Though not essential, applications are welcomed from candidates with: membership/working towards membership of a relevant Chartered/professional body (including the Higher Education Academy), experience of relevant student supervision and teaching activities.
Whilst we seek to appoint at Grade 7, KE Associate level, candidates with less experience may also be considered for appointment. Dependent of the skills and experience of the candidate, appointment to Grade 6, KE Assistant.
For informal enquiries, please contact Michael King, Materials Testing Theme Lead, michael.king@strath.ac.uk
Salary: £12.60 per hour
FTE: 1
Term: Fixed (3 months)
Closing Date: 23 March 2025
Location: Renfrew
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is a world-class innovation centre focused on transforming manufacturing through cutting-edge research, advanced technologies, and industry collaboration. Our work spans all aspects of manufacturing, from engineering and digital automation to supply chain optimization, sustainability and skills.
We are seeking enthusiastic individuals with a passion for learning to join our 2025 Internship programme. With a wide variety of internship opportunities available across our centres - including the Manufacturing Skills Academy, Digital Factory, Advanced Forming Research Centre, Lightweight Manufacturing Centre and Operations (Marketing, Business Development, Estates, Quality…) – we welcome applications from students across all academic disciplines. Opportunities cover technical, research and creative projects.
We don’t expect you to have all the knowledge and skills when you arrive—this is primarily a learning opportunity, and we provide all the training you need.
This is a full-time (35 hours) opportunity for 3 months, starting in June 2025. The roles will be based at our NMIS centres or with an external company across Scotland and the UK.
As part of your application, you will need to upload an up-to-date CV and fill in your supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the person specification listed below.
For informal enquiries, please contact Manufacturing Skills Academy, NMIS-STEM@strath.ac.uk
Click here for full details.pdf
Salary range: £46,735 - £57,422 per annum
FTE: 1
Term: Open-ended
Closing Date: 27 March 2025
Location: NMIS, Renfrew
Shape the Future of Manufacturing – Join NMIS as a Senior Business Development Manager
The University of Strathclyde is a world-class international technological institution with a proud history of driving business growth through cutting-edge research and innovation. At the heart of this mission is the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)—a beacon for advanced manufacturing innovation that empowers businesses of all sizes to accelerate productivity, adopt cutting-edge digital technologies, and achieve net-zero targets.
At NMIS, we are not just transforming industries—we are building a stronger, more sustainable economy, nurturing future-ready talent, and driving real-world impact. Our diverse, passionate team collaborates with industry leaders, academia, and the public sector to solve challenges, inspire innovation, and shape the next generation of manufacturing excellence.
We’re looking for three exceptional Senior Business Development Managers to play a pivotal role in expanding our reach and impact. This is an opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing by forging powerful partnerships and driving meaningful change.
What You’ll Do
- Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with industry leaders, SMEs, scale-ups, academia, and public sector bodies across Scotland, the UK, and globally.
- Work with cutting-edge businesses to help them enhance productivity, competitiveness, and innovation.
- Lead the development and delivery of high-impact R&D and innovation projects in the manufacturing sector.
- Drive collaboration within Scotland’s Innovation network to accelerate industrial transformation.
What We’re Looking For
- Dynamic, proactive, and ambitious professionals with a passion for business development and innovation.
- An ability to advocate with credibility and authority about NMIS’s technological capability.
- A track record of successfully building and managing industry partnerships.
- The ability to navigate complex business and innovation landscapes to drive tangible results.
- Knowledge about the Scottish and UK and EU manufacturing sector and funding landscape
Why Join Us?
- Work in a vibrant, fast-paced environment at the forefront of technological innovation.
- Be part of a mission-driven organisation that is making a real difference.
- Collaborate with some of the most influential players in manufacturing, engineering, and research.
For further information about the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), please refer to www.nmis.scot.
For informal enquiries, please contact Steven Halliday, Head Of Business Development & Strategy - steven.halliday@strath.ac.uk
Previous applicants need not apply.
Click here for full details.pdf
Salary range: £37,174 - £45,413 per annum
FTE: 1
Term: Fixed (24 months)
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
Location: AFRC, Renfrew
The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow possesses a large internationally rated Engineering Faculty with a proud history of successful joint ventures with industrial and enterprise partners. The Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), based at Inchinnan near Glasgow’s International Airport, has now been operational for more than ten years during which time Industrial, Academic and Government partners have worked together to establish a world leading research facility for the shaping of materials. The centre works closely with major industrial companies including Rolls-Royce and Boeing, and since 2011 it has been a part of the UK High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult. Since its launch the AFRC has achieved a rate of growth and industrial engagement which has surpassed expectations. As well as consolidating its primary strength in forming and forging technology, the centre is part of the National Manufacturing Institute, Scotland (NMIS) which will act as a focal point for high value manufacturing in Scotland.
We would like to see candidates with experience in one or more of a range of areas:
• Hot and Cold Sheet Metal Forming; with particular reference to processes like superplastic forming, hydroforming, incremental sheet forming, stretch forming, hot creep forming, press-brake forming, etc...
• Engineering design – component, tool and process design, including design for manufacture, CAD/CAM, and the development of design methodologies.
• New technology development and data analysis – the AFRC has a range of automation, control and instrumentation systems deployed both in-house and at customer facilities, and our engineers work to support experimental trials at the AFRC and off site to collate and analyse production data from a range of systems.
• Numerical simulation – we currently use a range of finite element modelling software including Abaqus, ESI PAM-STAMP and Autoform to simulate sheet metal forming processes. We develop new simulation frameworks and constitutive models, in addition to physical validation and verification experiments.
As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will assist in the delivery of the research activities as part of a team, working under the general supervision of senior colleagues. You will conduct literature reviews, collect and collate data, and undertake and record the outcomes of experiments. You will manage and prioritise your own workload and ensure that all activities are completed to deadlines and you will write up the results of your own research and contribute to the production of research reports and publications. You will input as a team member to administrative activities and assist, where required, with relevant teaching and knowledge exchange activities.
To be considered for the role, you will have a good honours degree and PhD / higher degree (or equivalent professional experience) in appropriate discipline. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in the relevant discipline/s to contribute to knowledge exchange programmes and to the development of knowledge exchange activities. You will have the ability to conduct individual knowledge exchange projects, work directly and independently with clients, and to prepare new knowledge exchange proposals.
Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with: membership/working towards membership of a relevant Chartered/professional body (including the Higher Education Academy), experience of relevant student supervision and teaching activities.
For informal enquiries, please contact Hosam Elrakayby, Cold Sheet Forming Theme Lead, hosam.elrakayby@strath.ac.uk
Click here for full details.pdf