Mechanical Engineer – Micro‑Extrusion & 3D Printing

About the role

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead the development of micro‑extrusion processes and 3D printing applications. The role combines hands‑on laboratory work with design optimisation to create high‑performance adhesive‑laydown systems for flexible films and apparel.

Key responsibilities

• Set up and operate lab‑scale and pilot‑scale micro‑extruders.
• Design, fabricate and test custom dies and nozzles for finer resolution.
• Optimise melt temperature profiles, screw speed, pressure, throughput, line speed, pattern resolution and adhesive lay‑down consistency.
• Evaluate bead stability, pattern fidelity, bond strength, peel resistance and wash durability.
• Study rheology versus printability, comparing pellets, powders and reactive systems.
• Investigate material compatibility with nylon, polyester, ePTFE, PU membranes and downproof fabrics.
• Modify extrusion heads, improve cooling/quench strategies, reduce stringing and minimise die build‑up.
• Design DOE trials, establish process windows and document scale‑up considerations.

Required profile

• Mechanical Engineering degree.
• Proven experience with single‑screw extrusion, micro‑extrusion and FDM‑type 3D printing.
• Hands‑on experience with thermoplastic materials, preferably TPU.
• Comfortable working in a laboratory or pilot‑scale environment.

Required skills

• Single‑screw extrusion.
• Micro‑extrusion.
• FDM 3D printing.
• Thermoplastic processing (TPU).
• SolidWorks for die design.
• Rheology knowledge.