PhD Position in Mechanical Engineering (University of Nottingham)

Institution: University of Nottingham – Faculty of Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Technology Research Group Location: UK Reference: ENG309 Closing Date: Open until filled Project Overview This PhD focuses on non-conventional electrophysical and laser-based manufacturing processes to restore and remanufacture aerospace gas turbine components, in partnership with Rolls-Royce. Key goals include: Restoring thermal barrier coatings and small-scale engineered features on blades, guide vanes, and compressors. Investigating process–material interactions in coatings, substrates, and electrophysical/laser processes. Exploring plasma and process-specific phenomena for localized material removal and deposition. Translating research into scalable, deployable solutions, with miniaturized on-wing demonstrations. The project addresses sustainability challenges by extending the life of critical components, reducing reliance on virgin critical materials, and enabling circular manufacturing practices. Candidate Profile Strong first degree (1st or 2:1) in: Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science / Metallurgy Motivated by hands-on, industry-focused research with real-world impact. Interest in non-conventional manufacturing (e.g., EDM, laser processing, coatings). Comfortable working at the interface of academia and industry. Benefits & Environment Close collaboration with Rolls-Royce and access to advanced EDM and laser systems. Supportive supervision with both academic and industrial expertise. Access to bespoke training, networking, and career development programs via the Researcher Academy. Funding sought post-selection for home tuition fees and UKRI stipend. Strong emphasis on community, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Contact: Alistair Speidel for further information and application details. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Institution: University of Nottingham – Faculty of Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing Technology Research Group
Location: UK
Reference: ENG309
Closing Date: Open until filled

Project Overview

This PhD focuses on non-conventional electrophysical and laser-based manufacturing processes to restore and remanufacture aerospace gas turbine components, in partnership with Rolls-Royce. Key goals include:

Restoring thermal barrier coatings and small-scale engineered features on blades, guide vanes, and compressors.
Investigating process–material interactions in coatings, substrates, and electrophysical/laser processes.
Exploring plasma and process-specific phenomena for localized material removal and deposition.
Translating research into scalable, deployable solutions, with miniaturized on-wing demonstrations.

The project addresses sustainability challenges by extending the life of critical components, reducing reliance on virgin critical materials, and enabling circular manufacturing practices.

Candidate Profile

Strong first degree (1st or 2:1) in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Science / Metallurgy
Motivated by hands-on, industry-focused research with real-world impact.
Interest in non-conventional manufacturing (e.g., EDM, laser processing, coatings).
Comfortable working at the interface of academia and industry.

Benefits & Environment

Close collaboration with Rolls-Royce and access to advanced EDM and laser systems.
Supportive supervision with both academic and industrial expertise.
Access to bespoke training, networking, and career development programs via the Researcher Academy.
Funding sought post-selection for home tuition fees and UKRI stipend.
Strong emphasis on community, equality, diversity, and inclusion.