Tribologist

Muc-Off was founded in 1994 and are now the leading supplier of specialist cycling cleaning and maintenance products in the UK. Following 5 years of explosive growth the company is expanding fast into the European, Asian, and North American markets focusing on its core categories of cycling, motorcycle, and Athlete performance products.

This is an exciting time to be part of this rapidly growing, truly innovative British business as we embark on new territories and sectors, whilst growing our brand presence across core bicycle and motorbike markets.

Purpose of the Role:

The core purpose of the role is to be the resident expert in tribology, capable of defining and delivering every ounce of value from the field in pursuit of the performance mission of the business.

The role calls for the capability to have high levels of drive, rigour and leading edge Tribological thinking. The ability to create strong analysis and convert that into clear and persuasive that help drive the performance agenda are key.

The tribologist will be able to design and run tests, manage complex data streams and construct timely and clear reports.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide and collate theories using tribology and collate practical evidence that improve drive train efficiency, reduce wear and reduce friction.
• Support and work with NPD to innovate new lubricants which have tribology evidence
• Gather evidence to support and link tribology and drive train efficiency.
• Condense large amounts of data from multiple performance and wear tests into concise reports.
• Drive usage / adoption of novel tribology test routines through to clear and compelling reporting.
• Create technical documentation/reports and present to internal stakeholders in a clear and persuasive manner.
• Create technical marketing material.
• Select the most suitable tribological test method from those available.
• Adapt ASTM testing standards where possible.
• Be responsible for the health and safety and maintenance of both Tribo and Contor.
• Design and refurbishment management of test tokens used in tribology testing across a range of substrates.

Essential Experience:

• BSc or higher in Material Science & Engineering or a related subject
• Experience of tribological testing of lubricants including, fluids, greases and waxes
• The design and refurbishment management of test tokens used in tribology testing
• Experience in novel tribology test routines and produce supporting documentation to allow publication and marketing
• Experience of suitable data management techniques and sampling/down sampling requirements
• Experience with statistical analysis a benefit, coupled with very strong written and excel skills required
• Experience of wear measurement and material surface analysis using white light interferometry (WLI)
• Lubricant formulation experience to advise formulators on observed wear and performance from testing. Leading to advice and discussion on the direction further lubricant sample iterations should go

Desirable Experience:

• Relevant PhD or research-based qualification
• Experience of tribological testing of coatings and surface treatments
• Experience of the Bruker TriboLab a distinct advantage in test script writing and the design of bespoke fixtures and fittings for component testing
• Experience of Bruker Contour WLI beneficial along with the creation of bespoke scanning recipes would be advantageous, particularly in the application of the volume measurement of low wear samples
• Origin graphing software experience a benefit

What we can offer:

• 33 days holiday, inclusive of UK bank holidays increase with length of service
• Hybrid Working
• Early finish on a Friday
• Long Service Rewards
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Eye Care Voucher Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fresh fruit and biscuits each day
• Chill out areas, showers and a secure area to store your bike
• Pension contributions
• An awesome opportunity to work with a local and widely recognised Brand
• A cool, casual, energetic, and fully branded-up working environment where staff indulge their passions for cycling and fitness
• Excellent staff discount on Muc-Off products
• Brilliant social events