Senior Laboratory Officer - Sensors, In-Situ Monitoring & Electrical Integration (Metal AM)

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.