Senior R&D Scientist (Sensing & Measurement)

Location: Lisburn, United Kingdom; on-site laboratory, test and rapid prototyping facilities

Company

hirify.global develops engineering and technology products for industries including power and rail, alongside research projects in scientific sectors, and operates in over 20 countries.

What you will do

• Plan and conduct feasibility studies and experimental investigations into sensing and measurement technologies, from literature review and first-principles analysis to laboratory proof-of-concept.
• Design experiments and test plans, build and commission test setups, and carry out laboratory and field experiments.
• Characterise, calibrate and linearise sensor and instrument responses; analyse data statistically and quantify measurement uncertainty.
• Interpret unexpected results through root cause analysis, create clear visualisations, and report findings to technical and non-specialist audiences.
• Design and build prototypes and demonstrators with mechanical, electronics and software colleagues using 3D printing and in-house CNC.
• Compare technical options, identify risks, recommend concepts for product development, maintain accurate records, and contribute to invention disclosures and external collaborations.

Requirements

• Master’s or PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or an equivalent field.
• Industrial research and development experience, including product design or taking a technology towards a product.
• Experience with 3D mechanical CAD.
• Programming experience in one or more languages for data acquisition, data analysis or instrument control; Python is preferred.
• Rigorous measurement, analysis and record-keeping skills, with the ability to plan and pursue research independently and make timely decisions.
• Clear written and verbal communication with technical and non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to work in a small multidisciplinary team and with external partners, and willingness to learn new skills as projects require.
• Ability to work safely in a laboratory, including with lasers and electrical equipment.

Nice to have

• Electronics design experience using ECAD tools, including schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Digital signal processing experience, including filtering, spectral analysis and phase-sensitive detection.
• Embedded programming experience in C or C++.
• Rapid prototyping experience, including 3D printing and CNC machining.
• Experience working with lasers and optical system design.
• Knowledge of Raman, FTIR or photoacoustic spectroscopy.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time work in a collaborative, hands-on, multidisciplinary team.
• Values include teamwork, learning from others, challenging established methods, and making evidence-based decisions.
• Access to on-site laboratory, testing and rapid prototyping facilities.