Role Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Research Engineer to support the development of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) machines. The role focuses on sensor systems, in-situ monitoring, data acquisition, electrical integration, machine assembly, and LPBF process operation.

Key Responsibilities

In-Situ Monitoring, Sensors & Data Acquisition

• Own the sensing and monitoring architecture for custom LPBF systems.
• Select, install and commission sensors for melt-pool monitoring, layer imaging, oxygen monitoring, chamber conditions, temperature measurement, acoustic sensing and related process signals.
• Implement signal conditioning, grounding, shielding and noise-mitigation solutions to ensure reliable data delivery to the Beckhoff PLC and higher-level software.
• Develop and maintain sensor data acquisition, logging and monitoring pipelines.
• Support in-situ process monitoring and machine diagnostics during commissioning and experimental builds.

Electrical Systems & Safety Integration

• Design, wire and document electrical systems supporting sensors, actuators, valves, safety devices and machine I/O.
• Implement and verify emergency stops, safety interlocks and residual-oxygen monitoring systems.
• Maintain compliant electrical layouts, cable management and technical documentation.

Machine Assembly & Commissioning

• Support mechanical and electrical assembly, sensor installation, cable routing and system integration.
• Conduct system testing, troubleshooting and commissioning of LPBF machines.

LPBF Process Operation

• Operate LPBF systems for commissioning, parameter development, research builds and routine operation.
• Perform build preparation, powder handling, chamber setup, process monitoring and post-build housekeeping.
• Record process parameters, observations and build outcomes to support machine and process evaluation.

Procurement, Vendor Coordination & Digital Infrastructure

• Support procurement of sensors, electrical components, machine parts and consumables, including specification preparation and technical evaluation.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders on technical requirements, delivery, installation and acceptance testing.
• Maintain machine digital infrastructure, including data storage, configuration records, backups and links between machine, PLC and research data.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare sensor inventories, wiring diagrams, signal flow documents and as-built records.
• Improve sensor reliability, data quality and system robustness.
• Support safety and compliance documentation related to sensing and electrical systems.

Team Contribution

• Work closely with mechanical, laser and controls engineers to ensure effective sensor-to-software integration.
• Share knowledge and best practices to improve team capability and maintainability of developed systems

Job Requirements

Education Diploma (or higher degree) in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics, Instrumentation, Automation, or a closely related field. Strong candidates with a relevant diploma plus significant industrial experience will also be considered.

Technical Competencies

• Demonstrated experience selecting, installing and integrating industrial or research-grade sensors (preferably including optical, thermal, gas or acoustic sensors).
• Solid understanding of signal conditioning, analogue/digital interfacing, shielding, grounding and noise reduction techniques.
• Familiarity with industrial data acquisition, PLC I/O (Beckhoff / EtherCAT preferred) and the hardware–software pipeline that delivers sensor data to control or monitoring software.
• Hands-on electrical wiring, control cabinet work and basic mechanical assembly skills.
• Ability to produce clear electrical and sensor-related documentation.

• Experience in a research, machine-building, automation or advanced manufacturing environment is an advantage. Prior exposure to additive manufacturing, LPBF process operation, laser systems, process monitoring, procurement support or digital infrastructure maintenance is a plus but not mandatory.

Professional Attributes

• Strong ownership mindset for the sensing and monitoring subsystem — from selection through to reliable data delivery.
• Detail-oriented, safety-conscious and methodical in electrical and signal-integrity work.
• Comfortable balancing independent technical responsibility with practical hands-on team support.
• Clear communicator who can document systems and collaborate effectively in a small, fast-moving R&D team.