Condition Monitoring System Development Engineer (KTP Associate)

This is an exciting opportunity for an engineer, physicist or sensor technologist to work at the forefront of predictive maintenance technology, developing an innovative gas-phase Lubricant Condition Monitoring System (LCMS) for high-value industrial vacuum pump applications.

Based primarily at ESR Technology, you will develop and validate sensing technologies capable of detecting lubricant degradation products in vacuum pump bearings operating in harsh vacuum environments. You will design and conduct laboratory and field experiments, analyse sensor data, and develop health indicators that enable predictive maintenance.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with experts in sensor technology, vacuum systems and electronics to develop, test and deploy a novel condition monitoring solution. The role will involve sensor selection, prototype development, system validation and preparation for future commercialisation.

This role is delivered through a 36-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Brunel University London and ESR Technology Ltd, providing a structured environment for professional development, advanced training, and close collaboration between industry and academia.

The Associate will have a strong background in engineering, physics, materials science, tribology or a related discipline, ideally holding a PhD or an MSc with relevant industrial or research experience.

The successful candidate should have experience in experimental research, data analysis and technology development. Knowledge of sensors, instrumentation, electronics, condition monitoring systems or data acquisition would be advantageous, while programming skills (Python, MATLAB or similar) are desirable.

The candidate will be comfortable working across multiple technical disciplines, from laboratory research and prototype development through to testing, validation and industrial deployment.

The Associate must be capable of working effectively between a university and an industrial partner, managing activities across multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication skills, an organised approach to project delivery, and the ability to work independently are essential.

The position offers the following benefits:

• A £6,000 personal development budget and access to Innovate UK sponsored training courses.
• 10% of working time allocated to development activities throughout the project.
• Access to BUL’s resources.
• The potential for career development with the company, continuing to lead lubricant condition monitoring activities and system evolution based on the system developed within the project.

ESR Technology Ltd is a specialist engineering consultancy providing tribological consultancy and lubricant test capabilities across a diverse range of industries including space and vacuum. The company works across energy, infrastructure transport, space and other industrial sectors, delivering expert support and developing innovative solutions for real-world applications., Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits. For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

The KTP is led from within BCAST which is an academic research centre dedicated to fundamental and applied research on condition monitoring systems, solidification of metallic materials and Non-Destructive Testing.