Sean Cooper

Experience

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  Somerset microbiology services Ltd

  Apr 2007 - Apr 2009

  Laboratory Technician

  General laboratory duties, sample preparation and testing, basic microbiological analysis, agar preparation, sample storage, water filtration testing, preparation of chemical test samples, UKAS demonstrations and writing of technical procedures. Cleanliness and environmental protection practice implementation by use of autoclave sterilisation units, and maintenance of personal working hygiene.

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  Exova Group Limited

  May 2009 - Oct 2011

  Composites Engineer

  Writing of technical test reports and test procedures, and ownership of qualification test projects. Reporting of WIP to company management and project planning in accordance with required time-frames. Liaising with technical contacts from organisations including Airbus, GKN, Rolls Royce, Thales, Cobham and RUAG. Review of AITM, ASTM, BS EN ISO and other international standards for implementation of testing methods and procedures.Experience gained;-Knowledge of UKAS, NADCAP and ISO accreditation systems.-Knowledge and understanding of composite materials machining techniques.-Knowledge and understanding of composite ultrasonic NDT processes (C-Scan, A-Scan)-Knowledge and understanding of thermal analysis (DMTA, TGA, Dilatometery and DSC) Show less

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  AGC AeroComposites

  Oct 2011 - Apr 2015

  Composites Development Engineer

  Management and implementation of materials research and development programmes with attendance to technical research management meetings, both UK and International. Showcasing of research ventures at corporate events to provide support for the uptake of research themes into the commercial environment. Applying principles of materials science in overcoming development challenges and for the introduction of new technology.Authoring of commercial and technical papers to communicate research findings and writing of proposal documents/project plans to secure research funding and grants.Development of manufacturing processes including: RI, RFI, VARTM, prepreg/autoclave, thermoforming, press moulding and other innovative processing techniques. Developing thermoplastic composite processing methods including innovations in manufacturing and welding practice. Researching functionalities in modified composite structures, new composite materials and processes, implementing composite characterisation methods including; microscopy, non-destructive testing, physical/thermal and mechanical testing. Tooling design and modelling of composite structures using CAD and FEA (Catia v5, Autodesk, Solidworks). Show less

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  TODS AEROSPACE LIMITED

  Apr 2015 - Apr 2019

  Responsibility for development of research and technology strategy. Liaise with universities, customers and research centres to identify materials and manufacturing research and development opportunities. NCC Tier 2 committee representative and principle contact for NCC technical and financial. Contributions to research press release and marketing activity. Responsible for showcasing new technologies at national and international trade-shows and conferences. Technical contributor to aerospace and defence materials and manufacturing development projects and opportunities. Arrange and facilitate funded development programme quarterly claims and financial audits. Where necessary liaise with patent authorities on existing and future IP protection. Management of Materials and Manufacturing Development Engineers, Technicians and Apprentices including CPD. Proactive approach to the identification of new development opportunities, building of consortia and writing of research funding proposals. Initiate new product concepts and provide development plans to confirm feasibility. Show less All responsibilities of previous role with additions;Management of Composite Development Engineers and Technicians including training and continuous professional developmentProactive approach to the identification of new development opportunities, building of consortia and writing of research funding proposalsMaintenance of working relations with the National Composites Centre, monitoring annual budget and authorisation of fund expenditureProviding support for the development of the Tods technology roadmap and strategy Show less

  • Materials and Manufacturing Development Manager

    Apr 2017 - Apr 2019

  • Senior Composites Development Engineer

    Apr 2015 - Apr 2017
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  IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining)

  Jun 2016 - now

  Board Member (Composites Leadership Group)
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  National Composites Centre

  Mar 2018 - now

  Specialist in composite manufacturing R&D for aerospace, defence and space sectors, in particular thermoplastic composite materials and manufacturing technologies such as AFP, welding, forming, compression moulding and injection/overmoulding. Customer road-mapping and consortia building for CR&D funding applications, liaison with funding bodies such as ATI & InnovateUK. NCC aerospace interiors strategy development and space sector technologies strategy support including composites for launch vehicle structures and gas/liquid fuel and propellant storage applications. Show less Professional research focus on high volume manufacturing (HVM) processes and thermoplastic composites manufacturing (and assembly) technology including thermo/pressforming, in-situ polymerisation, injection overmoulding and thermoplastic composite welding. I collaborate with and act as a technical advisor/influencer to the HVM Engineering Capability Leader. Adviser and influencer to NCC Engineering Capability Manager and Chief Technology Officer on technical strategy/ road-mapping and advisor to S&BD. I represent and advocate the NCC at technical forums and engage in collaboration with national and international Academia. Show less

  • Senior Chief Engineer

    Jul 2024 - now

  • Chairman - Composites Technology Forum for UK Defence

    Aug 2021 - now

  • Chief Engineer - Defence & Space

    Apr 2021 - Jul 2024

  • Deputy Chief Engineer - Aerospace, Defence and Space

    Jul 2019 - Apr 2021

  • Principal Research Engineer; High Volume Manufacturing

    Mar 2018 - Jun 2019