Our People

Rob joined TWI in May 2000 having completed a PhD in composite materials at Liverpool University.

'I started work on welding of plastics, mainly on the cutting edge Clearweld project. When TWI Yorkshire opened I moved to Sheffield and became involved in the development of laser deposition. I have since been promoted to Technology Group Manager.'

'I am able to develop my commercial interests in winning business and I feel that the company has the flexibility to enable me to grow both professionally and personally.'

Helen Goddin joined TWI, following a PhD in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge. The PhD received a case award from TWI as part of the EPPIC Faraday Partnership.

'My PhD was in micro joining technology and I frequently visited TWI to use their facilities. When I finished my PhD I applied to TWI as the role involved research relevant to my PhD, as well as opportunities to broaden my knowledge, and gain business experience.'

'As a project leader in the Microtechnology section I am involved with a broad range of projects and joining technologies. The job involves laboratory-based research, desk-based work for writing proposals and reports, and visiting clients. As well as work for individual clients, TWI also gets involved with government-funded collaborative research projects, where several businesses work together on a project.'

'In my job, I enjoy the variety of work, exposure to new technology, and the interaction with businesses. TWI has a positive training culture, and allows you to develop in areas you are interested in. I am working towards Chartered Engineering status and aim to achieve this within the next three years.'

Roger joined TWI as a physics graduate and worked in electron beam development and then in plastics joining during which time he completed a PhD in Materials Science.

After a spell in industry, he rejoined TWI in 2003, first as Head of the Microtechnology Department and he is now the Technology Group Manager of the Advanced Materials and Processes Group.

'TWI has enabled me to develop my career into new areas. The support I received while doing my PhD was invaluable and opportunities to progress within the organisation are underpinned by the training on offer.'

'I was attracted to TWI because of the role that was on offer. It gave me an opportunity to develop new skills and to build on skills developed in my previous job. I was very encouraged by the strong support, both financial and also with mentor's time and advice given to joining a professional body and the advancement of membership status.'

'Within my section, Business Process Support, there is general support and a sense of being a team. There is a culture of allowing people to work and develop ideas; you are encouraged to take the initiative in both your work and your own professional development.'

'With my role I have the opportunity to network with a range of people from professors at universities to engineers and managers in many companies. I also disseminate my findings across several groups within TWI which gives me the chance to meet people within different groups. I have been part of the medical strategic marketing planning team which has also meant working with and meeting people across different groups.'

As Chair of the Staff Consultative Committee (SCC) Joanne's brief is liaison between staff and management. Joanne is the Assistant Librarian in the Information Services section.

'The SCC is an independent committee which enables free communication between staff at all levels and the TWI management teams with the objective of improving working relationships. Through a network of departmental or group representatives, concerns can be aired and management can test ideas and receive feedback on new or existing policies.'

Amir joined TWI in 2005 in the Advanced Materials and Processes Group as a Senior Project Leader. Since then he has been involved with many projects across a range of industry sectors and now manages the Polymers Group at TWI.

'I was looking for a prestigious engineering outfit with direct involvement in all aspects of materials science - from selection and design to manufacturing, which can offer many opportunities for career and personal development.'

'I enjoy strategic planning and business development in addition to running projects for clients and the day to day interaction with people both internally and externally. The number of technologies we deal with here provide a steep learning curve and since I joined TWI I have vastly expanded and developed my technical and commercial knowledge and skills. Further to my work at TWI I am also pursuing a PhD at University of Cambridge as an industrial fellow and in collaboration with TWI.'

Joanna works in the Ferritic steels section. She had been introduced to TWI during her Year in Industry while studying at the University of Wales in Swansea.

'The job seemed ideal with a mixture of research and failure investigation. No two days are the same; a component failure needs a rapid resolution or a small component sent by mail needs a complete design review.'

'I enjoy presenting project progress when a client visits TWI - and then visiting the client's premises to make the presentation to their managers. The Cambridge location and the lovely countryside nearby are an added attraction!'

Simon Joined TWI after completing a degree in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. He currently works as a Welding Process Development Engineer in the Manufacturing Support Group.

'What I enjoy about TWI is the variety of projects I am involved with. On any one day I may be discussing welding components for a space satellite in the morning and in the afternoon an oil pipeline in the caspian. I was attracted by TWI's excellent reputation and the opportunities to further my education through professional development and internationally recognised qualifications. I am currently working towards Chartered Engineer and European Welding Engineer Status. TWI has helped me broaden my knowledge, allowing me to decide the direction of my own research and dealing with customers on a day-to-day basis. I feel that I am on the cutting edge of technology, helping to develop the next generation of processes, techniques and standards for industry.'