STFC
Email:
richard.c.smith@stfc.ac.uk
Tel: 01235 446994
What I do:
I lead Manufacturing Facilities, which has four functions supporting science here at STFC. As a team, we provide a varied range of weird and wonderful solutions to support customers' needs, which keeps the work interesting!
The four areas we cover are:
- Mechanical Manufacture: a machine shop, sheet metal working workshop and skilled technician support;
- Dimensional Metrology: quality control and conformance to specification of both individual components and assemblies;
- Additive Manufacture: more commonly known as 3D printing;
- Outside Manufacture Procurement Office: contracting work from external companies.
Computer generated model of my scanned face
Computer generated model of my
scanned face
STFC
Our objective to provide engineering support from concept, through design, manufacture and modification of components to final deployment in fully built assemblies.
Biography
I joined STFC as Manufacturing Facilities Group Leader in October 2016. Previously I have spent four years in the commercial world working for a global tool supplier, where I managed a team that provided manufacturing turnkey solutions from concept to delivery of manufactured bespoke solutions for the aerospace, medical and gas and oil sectors. Before that, I spent 28 years working for various Formula One racing teams in production management positions. My career to date has taken me to many parts of the world I might have never seen otherwise (some of which I never wish to see again!), and has provided many highlights and challenges. I have to say that not all of these have been enjoyable, but all were most defiantly character building, and help me in my journey with STFC.
Richard in hiking gear with a rucksack dramatically silhouetted against a cloudy sky with mountains and a lake in the background
On my way to a summit with Windermere in the background on a typical Lakeland summers day
STFC
Interests
I am, perhaps surprisingly given my career roaming the world, a home bird, and love nothing more than relaxing with family, friends and dogs. My interests include gardening, hill walking and, latterly, ballroom dancing. We are trying to complete as many of the Wainwright walks in the Lake District as we can. In recent years I have taken up Ballroom Dancing, for pleasure - and to pacify my wife - and unexpectedly found it very enjoyable!
