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.
Salary range: £46, 735 - £57, 422 per annum
FTE: 1
Term: Fixed (24 months)
Closing Date: 29 August 2025
Location: AFRC, Inchinnan, Renfrew
The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow is home to one of the UK’s leading Engineering faculties, recognised internationally for its research excellence and strong track record of successful partnerships with industry and enterprise. As part of the University’s strategic investment in advanced manufacturing, the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) was established near Glasgow International Airport. The AFRC is a £30 million collaborative initiative between industrial, academic, and government partners, delivering world-class research in forging and forming technologies. The Centre operates as a specialist facility within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and plays a vital role in enhancing the UK’s manufacturing innovation landscape.
As the AFRC continues to grow its capabilities and impact, we are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and experienced Senior R&D Engineer – Forging Technologies. This role will lead and deliver high-value research and knowledge exchange programmes, focused on the industrial application of advanced forging technologies.
Working across AFRC and NMIS initiatives, you will play a key role in translating research into impact through process innovation, tooling design, materials development, and digital manufacturing. You will lead technical work packages, supervise and mentor early-career engineers, and work closely with AFRC’s industrial partners to deliver applied solutions. You will also develop and lead your own programme of knowledge exchange, applying for and managing externally funded projects and contributing to strategic capability development.
To be considered for this position, you will hold a good honours degree and a PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in a relevant discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Manufacturing Engineering. You will have a proven track record in applied research and/or industrial delivery in forging or forming technologies and a strong interest in knowledge exchange.
The successful candidate must be eligible and willing to undergo UK security clearance in order to work on sensitive or restricted projects.
For informal enquiries, please contact Paolo Parolin, Forging Technologies Lead - paolo.parolin@strath.ac.uk
Click here for full details.pdf
Salary range: £37,174 - £45,413 per annum
FTE: 1
Term: Fixed (24 months)
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
Location: AFRC, Inchinnan, Renfrew
The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow is home to one of the UK’s leading Engineering faculties, recognized internationally for its research excellence and strong track record of successful partnerships with industry and enterprise. As part of the University’s strategic investment in advanced manufacturing, the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) was established near Glasgow International Airport. The AFRC is a £30 million collaborative initiative between industrial, academic, and government partners aimed at delivering world-class research in forging and forming technologies. The Centre operates as a specialised facility within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and plays a vital role in enhancing the UK’s manufacturing innovation landscape.
As the AFRC continues to expand its capabilities and impact, we are looking to appoint an experienced and enthusiastic Forging Technology Engineer – Knowledge Exchange Associate. This role focuses on delivering high-value research and knowledge exchange programs centred on the development and industrial application of advanced forging processes. This is an exciting opportunity to directly improve manufacturing performance across various sectors through applied research, process simulation, tooling design, and hands-on forging trials.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team and closely with AFRC’s industrial members and research teams to deliver innovative forging solutions, provide expert technical input into collaborative projects, and help translate cutting-edge research into tangible, real-world outcomes. With recent major investments in industrial-scale forging and digital infrastructure, as well as growing collaborations across NMIS initiatives such as the Digital Factory and tool life improvement programs, the Centre provides a well-resourced environment for ambitious engineering professionals to thrive. This role offers the chance to work at the intersection of academic excellence and industrial application, contributing to the future of forging technologies in the UK and beyond.
To be considered for this position, candidates should have the knowledge, skills, and experience typically associated with a first-degree and a PhD, or equivalent professional experience in relevant disciplines such as Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. You will possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in your field to contribute to knowledge exchange programs and activities. Additionally, you should be capable of conducting individual knowledge exchange projects, working directly and independently with clients, and preparing new knowledge exchange proposals.
While not essential, we welcome applications from candidates who have membership or are working towards membership of a relevant Chartered or professional body (including the Higher Education Academy), as well as those with experience in relevant student supervision and teaching activities.
* Whilst we seek to appoint at Grade 7, R&D Engineer level, candidates with less experience may also be considered for appointment. Dependent on the skills and experience of the candidate, appointment to Grade 6, Assistant R&D Engineer, may be considered.
The successful candidate must be willing to undergo UK security clearance in order to work on sensitive or restricted projects.
For informal enquiries, please contact Paolo Parolin, Forging Theme Lead - paolo.parolin@strath.ac.uk
Salary range: £37,694 - £46,049 per annum
FTE: 1
Term: Open-ended
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
Location: NMIS, Renfrew
Shape the Future of Manufacturing – Join NMIS as a Business Development Executive
The University of Strathclyde is a globally renowned technological institution with a proud history of driving business growth through groundbreaking research and innovation. At the forefront of this mission is the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)—a beacon for advanced manufacturing innovation that empowers businesses of all sizes to boost productivity, embrace digital transformation, and deliver on net-zero ambitions.
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 and dynamic team works in close partnership with industry, academia, and the public sector to solve real-world challenges, spark innovation, and shape the future of manufacturing.
We are looking for at least two exceptional Business Development Executives to play a central role in role in extending our influence and driving forward our mission. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of manufacturing—by forging strategic partnerships, opening new pathways for collaboration, and delivering real, measurable impact across industry.
What You’ll Do
- Build and grow relationships with industry partners, by understanding their technical and commercial needs.
- Align industry challenges with NMIS capabilities and wider research solutions.
- Shape project opportunities by defining clear statements of work and leading competitive bids for funding and commercial contracts. Co-develop credible project proposals with NMIS Engineering Teams.
- Facilitate the creation of industry consortia and help drive rapid, high-value project delivery.
- Deliver innovation workshops, provide expert consultancy, and deliver agile, high-impact projects with measurable outcomes.
What We’re Looking For
- We’re looking for individuals who can confidently translate complex technical and commercial challenges into action. You'll have:
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in engineering or physical sciences.
- A passion for innovation, problem-solving, and advancing the manufacturing sector.
- Strong communication and engagement skills to influence and inspire partners.
- The ability to think both strategically and practically to deliver results at pace.
We’re especially interested in candidates with experience in areas such as:
- Advanced manufacturing technologies, including (but not limited to) forming and forging processes.
- Materials science and metallurgy.
- Digital manufacturing technologies and data-driven manufacturing solutions.
- Electronics manufacturing, including semiconductor technologies.
- Product design, capability development, and design for excellence and assurance.
Experience in high-value manufacturing, industrial R&D, or navigating complex supply chains is highly desirable.
Why NMIS?
At NMIS, you’ll join a mission-driven organisation dedicated to transforming industry, developing a future-ready workforce, and driving a more sustainable economy. With world-class facilities, leading experts, and strong partnerships across academia, government, and industry, we offer an unparalleled environment for innovation and growth. Come and be part of something with real impact.
For informal enquiries, please contact Steven Halliday, NMIS Head of Business Development & Strategy - steven.halliday@strath.ac.uk.