Research Support Engineer – EEE General

Purpose of the Post

Supporting the experimental and simulation research work of the Department and fulfilling a varied range of tasks for research staff, with an evolution of tasks over time as fresh projects begin.

The role will enjoyable and challenging, with hands-on input to research projects ranging from robotics to circuit fabrication to software configuration. The post-holder will be expected to have relevant general experience, and training will be provided for the specific needs of the role.

The department has several research themes; the post-holder will have knowledge and experience relevant to at least one, possibly more of those themes.

General responsibilities:

• Support staff in research activities including, circuits and systems, power electronics, wireless comms and robotics.
• Training and support for hardware design (staff and post-graduate students),
• Assembly, testing and characterising electronic of circuits and systems.
• Monitoring use in labs of low voltage (
• Train and support postgraduate students and research associates in;
• Construction of experimental systems through PCB design,
• Assembly and characterisation of PCB designs.
• Monitoring and maintaining standard laboratory inventory including instruments and their calibration.
• Support good health and safety practices

Specialist responsibilities in one or more of the following:

• Operate and support researchers in the use of specialist equipment including;
• PCB assembly (SMT rework, reflow oven, pick and place)
• Wire bonder
• Laser cutter.
• 3D printers.
• Microscopy
• Software Defined Radios and USRPs
• Design, assemble, and install robotic systems, interfaces to sensors, and perform maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Diagnose/repair mechanical, electrical, and software faults in robots and interfaced sensors and actuators, such as cameras, LiDARs, and motors, and associated networking infrastructure.
• Support power-hardware-in-the-loop experimentation through:
• Maintaining and operating Opal-RT simulation platform and power amplifier,
• Assisting in constructing simulation models in Hypersim, ePhasor or similar,
• Supporting operation of microgrid testing facilities of the Maurice Hancock Laboratory including its connection panels, configuration software and instrumentation.

Person Specification

Candidates are expected to demonstrate the following: 

Essential (E) / Desirable (D)

Education      

MSc level (or equivalent demonstrated experience) in electrical and electronic engineering or closely related field - E     

Experience    

Independent design of electronic systems such as circuits, sensors, or simulation models - E

Design, construction and testing of electronic circuits - E

Diagnoses and repair of faults in laboratory equipment - D

Working as part of a research team - D

Construction and testing of electronic power converters – D

Use of:

• Wire-bonders, laser cutters, 3D printers - D
• Software tools for control such as for robots and their sensors - D
• Common simulation software for electronic circuits - D
• Software tools for control such as of robots or power converters - D

Knowledge    

Health and safety practices relevant to electrical laboratories - E

Knowledge of cutting-edge electronic or electrical technology in one or more speciality - E 

Skills & Abilities       

Strong communication skills, including experience of working in teams - E

Experience of personal time management in a work environment - E

Ability to work independently with general guidance - E

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