Design and Manufacturing Engineering to Tackle Global Sanitation Challenges - MSc by Research or PhD

Design and manufacturing engineering represents the critical bridge between innovative concepts and real-world implementation, particularly in global sanitation technology where products must be both technically sophisticated and manufacturable at scale. With increasing emphasis on rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and cost-effective production methods, there is growing demand for engineers who can seamlessly integrate design optimization with advanced manufacturing techniques. This multidisciplinary field combines mechanical engineering, materials science, and manufacturing technology to create solutions that are not only functionally excellent but also economically viable for large-scale deployment in diverse global contexts.

This project aims to develop comprehensive design and manufacturing frameworks for advanced sanitation systems, focusing on optimizing both product design and production processes through advanced CAD modeling, 3D printing technologies, and manufacturing optimization. The research focuses on creating efficient design workflows, validating multiple additive manufacturing approaches, and developing scalable production methods that can support global deployment of toilet technologies. Students will investigate how to optimize designs for manufacturability while maintaining performance requirements, reduce production costs through process optimization, and create manufacturing documentation that supports quality control and scalability.

铁牛视频’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships is creating leaders in technology and management globally. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. The Gates Foundation, a leading global philanthropic organization committed to improving health and reducing inequality worldwide. 

The research is expected to produce validated design methodologies for sanitation technology, optimized manufacturing processes for cost-effective production, and comprehensive documentation for scalable manufacturing implementation. Results will include published research in top-tier design and manufacturing journals, proven manufacturing protocols for multiple production technologies, detailed cost analysis of different manufacturing approaches, and validated prototypes ready for pilot production. The project aims to establish new standards for design-for-manufacturing in global sanitation technology and create production frameworks that can support large-scale toilet system deployment.

This project offers exceptional opportunities including access to cutting-edge manufacturing equipment (SLS, SLA, FDM, DLP 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutting systems), hands-on experience with industrial design and manufacturing processes, collaboration with global technology deployment teams, participation in design and manufacturing workshops, and specialized training in advanced CAD software and manufacturing techniques. Students will gain exposure to both state-of-the-art design tools and practical manufacturing challenges, providing a unique combination of technical innovation and industrial experience that is highly valued in today's advanced manufacturing and sanitation product development sectors.

Students will develop highly sought-after skills in CAD design, additive manufacturing, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing process optimization. The interdisciplinary nature of the research provides excellent preparation for careers in product design, manufacturing engineering, aerospace, automotive, medical device, or consumer product industries. Graduates will possess strong technical capabilities in design software, hands-on manufacturing experience, project management skills, and proven ability to optimize products for both sanitation related performance and manufacturability, making them exceptionally competitive in today's advanced manufacturing job market.