Automation Engineer (KTP Associate)

Job Summary

The Robert Gordon University and John White & Son (Weighing Machines) Limited are seeking to recruit an Automation Engineer to work on a 36-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to design, develop and deploy an automated and adaptable weighing solution system for use with remotely operated weighbridges, across diverse industry sectors.

This system will include the integration of load cells, sensors, controllers and peripheral devices to realise customised control flow, data management and AI-based data analytic models.

The position will be based at John White & Son (Weighing Machines) Limited (JWS), a Fife based company working primarily with the Systems Engineering teams at JWS. The proposed project focuses on the development of an automated weighing system.

The KTP Associate will work in close partnership with staff from the School of Engineering at Robert Gordon University during the project.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is a UK-wide programme that helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK Knowledge Base. A Knowledge Transfer Partnership serves to meet a core strategic need and to identify innovative solutions to help that business grow.

This 36-month fixed term post is jointly funded by Innovate UK and John White & Son. KTP supports partnerships between businesses and universities or research organisations, placing KTP Associate to work on innovative high-profile projects.

This KTP Associate will benefit from a tax-free personal development budget of £6,000 (allowing them to participate in courses / professional qualifications) and will be responsible for other budgets including, travel and consumables.

The project is an interdisciplinary project and needs an Associate with a knowledge of engineering and embedded systems and strong programming skills. It requires a multidisciplinary approach embracing mechanical-automation and computing with strong capabilities in signal conditioning, data acquisition and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) analytical skills required to achieve the project deliverables.

The Associate will come from a Mechatronic, Cloud Computing and AI/ML background with excellent mechanical and electronics experience and possess good knowledge of signals condition and acquisition. They will have a minimum of an MSc degree in Mechatronic or Cloud Computing and AI sciences or related field, and work experience in mechanical systems design, development, and commissioning. A PhD degree would be an added advantage.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact Prof. James Njuguna, j.njuguna@rgu.ac.uk, Tel. +44 (0) 1224 262304.

 

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: When working at JWS premises, the KTP Associate will report to and take direction from Mr Gayan Perera and when working at Robert Gordon University report to and take direction from Prof James Njuguna.

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No supervisory responsibilities.

PURPOSE OF POST: To design, develop and deploy an automated and adaptable weighing solution system for use with remotely operated weighbridges, across diverse industry sectors.

This system will include the integration of load cells, sensors, controllers and peripheral devices to realise customised control flow, data management and AI-based data analytic models.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

·To develop the standardisation and parametrisation of parts of various weighing machines including data capture and storage, security, cloud computing, and predictive analytics.

·To design of classes and templates to model different parts and services in a weighing solution using object-oriented approach.

·To develop visual programming software and codes for engineers to design control flow and logic for customised weighing solutions based on available parts.

·To develop a “plug-and-play” middleware to control the operation of all parts and services in the integrated weighing solution.

·To deliver the project objectives as detailed in the KTP project proposal.

·To explore, understand and critically evaluate existing technologies and take a leading role in developing and evaluating authentication models.

·To maintain an up-to-date project plan and provide a progress report for presentation at regular Local Management Committee (LMC) meetings.

·To deliver presentations to immediate project team members and technical experts. Any other duties that maybe reasonable, assigned by the Academic Supervisor/Company Supervisor.

 

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

The successful candidate will hold a minimum of an MSc degree in Mechatronics or Cloud Computing and AI sciences or related field, and work experience in mechanical systems design, development, and commissioning.

A PhD degree would be an added advantage.

Knowledge

Mission specific software codes development using MATLAB, LabVIEW and Python.

Analytical skills in engineering problems

Great deal of initiative and ability to develop and use innovative and creative approach to problem solving

Good knowledge/experience of software and control systems engineering.

Strong proficiency in programming in one or two programming languages

Ability to write and publish high impact journal articles

Well-developed project management and research organisational skills.

Demonstrable interpersonal and other communication skills that enable them to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels.

Aware of research integrity and ethical issues including confidentiality.

Experience

Experience in system design and relevant process and machine automation approaches.

Familiarity with sensors and data acquisition systems

The Associate should possess the desire to learn and lead the commercial aspects of the project.

 

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge

Detailed product design and software programming skills

Skilled in computer analytical techniques for testing results.

Understanding of weighing machines and systems integration processes.

Knowledge or experience of system engineering, communication, control, or processing is advantageous.

Experience

Experience of fostering an open and involving approach with all employees. Encourage and develop a team to support delivery of the project goals and objectives

Experience of defending research outcomes at seminars or conferences and being comfortable with communicating results.

Experience of developing support and actively encouraging a culture of continual improvement by implementing improvement programmes that involve team members and other employees.

Experience of liaison with Engineers and Technicians to form part of a successful team

 

Benefits: • £2,000 per year to spend on personal training and development. • Attendance at two residential managerial workshops (each of one week’s duration).