Job Description

(Senior) Laboratory Officer (Laser Metal Deposition), Surface Remanufacturing Technology (SRT) Group, ARTC

The Surface Remanufacturing Technology (SRT) Group at ARTC is seeking a hands-on and motivated Senior Laboratory Officer to support Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) activities for advanced remanufacturing, repair, and surface engineering applications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development and enhancement of laser-based surface remanufacturing capabilities, primarily Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), by carrying out hands-on experiments, assisting in process trials, and building technical competency under guidance from senior engineers.
• Assist with the setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting of LMD systems, including laser parameter setup, powder delivery, shielding gas configuration, motion control, and process monitoring.
• Conduct experimental trials for cladding, repair, surface modification, and related deposition activities in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform basic metallurgical and materials characterisation, including sample sectioning, mounting, polishing, etching, optical microscopy, hardness testing, and systematic documentation of results.
• Collect, organise, and log experimental and process data (e.g. process parameters, deposition geometry, observations) to support ongoing process optimisation and reporting.
• Assist in documenting experimental procedures, compiling results, and supporting the preparation of technical reports and project presentations.
• Support day-to-day operation of LMD equipment, including system preparation, cleaning, routine checks, and ensuring compliance with laser safety and laboratory SOPs.
• Support laboratory operations, including procurement, consumables preparation, powder handling, inventory tracking, safety compliance, and adherence to 5S housekeeping standards.

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, Precision Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Willingness to work hands-on with research equipment and support experimental activities involving laser metal deposition.
• Able to follow detailed experimental procedures, equipment operating procedures, risk assessments, and lab safety requirements.
• Good organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary technical team.
• Basic communication skills to support coordination with engineers, researchers, and technical staff.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience or practical exposure to laboratory, workshop, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience with laser systems, additive manufacturing, surface engineering processes, CAD/CAM, CNC or robotics.
• Experience handling metal powders, shielding gases, fixtures, tooling, samples, or laboratory consumables would be advantageous
• Basic familiarity with materials characterisation techniques, such as optical microscopy, hardness testing, roughness measurement or sample preparation.