John Walker

• AFM Consultant – Bioprocessing Research Industry Club (BRIC)
• Laboratory Supervisor – University of Edinburgh
• Electrical Test Engineer / Intern – BAE Systems

• Technical lead for advanced R&D programmes developing next-generation materials and deposition technologies (Graphene Flagship initiative)
• Own system-level design decisions, ensuring alignment between hardware, process, and performance requirements
• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, and process domains
• Drive transition from research concepts to scalable, manufacturable systems
• Interface directly with partners, customers, and stakeholders to define technical requirements and deliverables
• Resolve complex system-level issues, balancing performance, reliability, and manufacturability

Key Achievements:

• Delivered timely solutions by managing and tracking project milestones.
• Successfully transitioned early-stage technologies toward industrialisation pathways
• Recognised as technical authority within R&D group for system integration challenges
• Provided leadership, resulting in a high performing team environment.

• Spearheaded development and productisation of advanced scientific instrumentation systems.
• Managed and grew a team of 5 scientists/engineers delivering high-precision products
• Established pilot manufacturing line to scale novel technologies into production
• Acted as technical interface between engineering, product, and manufacturing teams
• Worked closely with early adopters to refine system usability and performance

Key Achievements:

• Delivered complex system from concept to production, including fluidic and materials innovation
• Improved product robustness through iterative customer-driven design improvements

• Led NPI activities for multiple product lines, from prototype through to full-scale production
• Owned lifecycle engineering for UK product portfolio, including design improvements and obsolescence management
• Managed engineering team responsible for production support, test development, and process optimisation
• Enforced DFM/DFS principles at design stage via engineering steering committee

Key Achievements:

• Delivered two new products to market, opening new revenue streams
• Successfully launched four product families with improved manufacturability and reliability

• Technical specialist supporting high-precision AFM systems across academic and industrial customers
• Diagnosed and resolved complex electromechanical and application-level issues
• Collaborated with R&D to develop new applications and improve product performance
• Selected for specialist diagnostic team based on technical capability