Principal Engineer of Coating Technologies

Principal Engineer of Coating Technologies

ITM Power

Location: Sheffield

Direct Applications Only - No Agency Applicants at this time

About ITM Power

ITM is at the forefront of the green hydrogen industry, designing and manufacturing cutting-edge PEM electrolysers that are instrumental in global decarbonisation efforts. With over two decades of scientific expertise, we’ve established ourselves as industry leaders in clean energy technology.

Our Journey and Growth

As pioneers in green hydrogen technology, ITM is offering the most advanced PEM electrolyser technology in the world. Founded in 2000, ITM Power PLC was one of the first companies of its kind to be listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Headquartered in the UK, our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is the world’s first largest PEM Gigafactory in commercial operation, and home to our R&D and manufacturing. ITM Power Germany is our hub in the heart of the EU. This facility not only houses regional functions including business development and engineering, but also our Aftersales services with the ability to quickly deploy stacks.

Innovation and Impact

Our PEM electrolysers are deployed in some of the world's largest green hydrogen projects. We continue to push the boundaries of technology, enhancing cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Join Our Mission

ITM is in the midst of a transformative phase, focusing on streamlined delivery and operational excellence. We're seeking talented individuals who share our passion for clean energy and our drive to make a tangible impact on the world's transition to net-zero.

You will be working with an inspiring bunch of people, encouraging each other to be the best we can. We’ve come a long way, join us in the next step of our incredible journey!

What are we looking for

The Principal Engineer of Coating Technologies is the technical subject matter expert within Production Engineering, responsible for the development, industrialisation, optimisation and continuous improvement of coating technologies across manufacturing.

This position covers the complete coating process lifecycle, from cleaning and surface preparation/pre-treatment through coating application, post-treatment where applicable, inspection, testing and process validation. You will ensure processes are robust, repeatable, scalable and capable of meeting production requirements.

Working closely with R&D, Quality, Production, Logistics and external suppliers, the Principal Engineer will lead the introduction of new coating technologies, processes and equipment from development through to production.

You will provide technical leadership in coating process development, troubleshooting and continuous improvement, while defining the technology roadmap and developing coating expertise within the Production Engineering team and may involve travel in the UK and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, industrialisation and optimisation of coating processes, including cleaning, surface preparation, coating application and post-treatment where applicable.
• Lead the evaluation and industrialisation of coating technologies, including PVD and other relevant coating methods.
• Define coating process requirements, process windows, critical parameters and acceptance criteria.
• Specify, select and introduce coating, cleaning, surface preparation and inspection equipment into the manufacturing environment.
• Lead equipment and process trials, including proof of concept, FAT, SAT, commissioning and production validation.
• Define and implement coating inspection and testing methods.
• Lead technical investigations and root cause analysis for coating and surface preparation issues.
• Develop and maintain the coating technology roadmap and identify opportunities for new technologies and process improvements.
• Lead technical projects from development through to industrialisation and production, managing technical risks, milestones and dependencies.
• Develop Capex business cases and support the selection and justification of new coating technologies and equipment.
• Work with R&D, Quality, Production, Logistics and suppliers to transfer technologies from development into robust production processes.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to develop coating expertise within the Production Engineering team.

About You

Knowledge and Experience

• 
  Degree or equivalent qualification in Materials Science, Surface Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant industrial experience in coating technologies, surface engineering or related manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of cleaning, surface preparation, pre-treatment and coating processes.
• Practical experience with PVD or other relevant coating technologies.
• Experience developing and optimising coating processes for production environments.
• Experience specifying, selecting, commissioning and introducing coating and associated inspection equipment into manufacturing.
• Knowledge of coating inspection and testing methods, including XRF, coating thickness and adhesion testing.
• Experience with process definition, process windows, capability studies, PFMEA and process control.
• Experience leading technical projects from development or proof of concept through to industrialisation and production.
• Experience working with equipment and technology suppliers, including technical specification, supplier evaluation and FAT/SAT.
• Understanding of automation and equipment interfaces sufficient to work effectively with Automation Engineering and equipment suppliers.
• Strong problem-solving, root cause analysis and risk management skills applied to coating and manufacturing processes.
• Experience providing technical leadership, coaching or mentoring to engineers.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong ownership mindset with ability to work independently and take responsibility for delivering cross-functional industrialisation activities in complex manufacturing environments.
• Highly structured and logical approach when dealing with technical and operational challenges across process, automation and production interfaces.
• Strong communication and coordination skills, able to align effectively across engineering, production, quality and external suppliers.
• Highly practical and solution-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving capability in real manufacturing and ramp-up environments.
• Proactive and forward-thinking approach, with ability to anticipate risks, identify gaps and drive actions without constant supervision.
• Adaptable and resilient, comfortable working in fast-paced industrialisation and commissioning environments with changing priorities.
• Self-aware, open to feedback and motivated to continuously improve technical and organisational capability.

What We Offer

The opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a rapidly growing industry, within a dynamic environment where you can shape the future of energy and work with a team that’s actively addressing global climate challenges. Our corporate culture values safety, integrity and continuous improvement.

A competitive salary and an excellent contributory pension, 25 days holiday and a wider range of benefits including:

• Buy as you earn (BAYE) share scheme
• Birthday holiday
• Holiday Purchase
• Lifestyle Discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Cash Plan
• Eye Care
• Gym Scheme
• Life assurance
• EV Car Leasing
• Enhanced Parental Leave
• Our onsite parking includes free electric car charging points

We know your career is important to you, it’s important to us too, which is why we also offer opportunities for you to grow and develop your career. If you are looking to join a growing, dynamic business and want to be part of our amazing team we would love to hear from you.

Our success is driven by the exceptional diversity of our people. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to promoting and creating a diverse and inclusive environment where we encourage our employees to learn and grow, fuelled by mutual respect in a place where ideas flow and thrive.