Aviation Services Research Centre
Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Associate / Research Assistant
(Ref. 260917016)
(1) Postdoctoral Fellow (two posts)
(2) Research Associate / Research Assistant (two posts)
[Appointment period: each for twelve to twenty-four months]
Duties
The appointees will assist the project leader in the research project - “Intelligent thermal spraying system for high performance coatings (ITSS HPC)”. This project is a collaborative initiative with Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO), Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Limited (HAESL), and The Boeing Company. The project aims to design and develop an intelligent, automated, and integrated thermal spraying system to significantly improve coating performance for aero engines and other high performance applications. The system will reduce maintenance time by 40%, cut oxygen and fuel consumption by 50%, and lower overall costs by 30% through reductions in waste and rework. Multi sensor fusion and material modification technologies will ensure coatings with superior wear, corrosion, and high temperature resistance.
Research activities will be conducted in the Centre’s laboratories and workshops under the University’s collaborative agreements with industry sponsors. The appointees will be required to:
(a) apply design and systems engineering principles to develop automated spraying processes;
(b) support design and prototyping of intelligent HVOF spraying equipment with integrated control systems;
(c) contribute to the development of multi sensor fusion technologies for defect prediction and process parameter adjustment;
(d) assist in material modification research to enhance coating density, adhesion, and reduce substrate thermal deformation;
(e) develop and validate robotic spray path generation using 3D scanning;
(f) implement energy management strategies to optimise fuel and oxygen usage;
(g) collaborate with industrial partners and academic supervisors to ensure deliverables align with sponsor requirements and Innovation and Technology Commission compliance;
(h) generate engineering documentation, inspection records, and process databases; and
(i) perform any other duties as assigned by the project leader or his/her delegate(s).
Qualifications
Applicants for the Postdoctoral Fellow post should have a doctoral degree or an equivalent qualification and must have no more than five years of post-qualification experience at the time of application.
Applicants for the Research Associate post should have a master’s degree or a good honours degree with three years of research / relevant work experience.
Applicants for the Research Assistant post should have an honours degree or an equivalent qualification, with research / relevant work experience being an advantage.
For all posts, applicants should have:
(a) an interest in working in the aviation sector, non-destructive inspection, robotics, automation, data analytics, and test specimen analysis via universal testing methods and coating technologies; and
(b) a good command of written and spoken English.
The following skills and experience are beneficial but not mandatory:
(a) a strong background in robotics, mechatronics, or mechanical systems design;
(b) experience with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods (e.g. ultrasonic, thermography, eddy current);
(c) knowledge of automation, control systems, and sensor integration;
(d) familiarity with AI/machine learning for defect detection or image analysis;
(e) proficiency in CAD/CAE tools and engineering documentation standards;
(f) hands-on experience in laboratory prototyping, testing, and data analysis; and
(g) the ability to work in multi-disciplinary, sponsor-driven environments with compliance and reporting requirements.
Applicants are invited to contact Mr Robert Voyle at telephone number 3400 3504 or via email at robert.voyle@polyu.edu.hk for further information.
Conditions of Service
A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered.
Consideration of applications will commence on 25 September 2026 until the positions are filled.
Posting date: 17 September 2026