Robotics Research Engineer - Novel Robotics Systems

Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA are at the forefront of realising energy from fusion, working with industry and research partners to deliver the ground-breaking developments that will underpin tomorrow's fusion power stations with the aim of bringing fusion electricity to the grid. As we work towards our mission and goals, UKAEA has devised values (Innovative, Committed, Trusted and Collaborative) that capture the spirit of how we work.

Job Description

Who are we looking for?

'Exciting world class research programme to enable fusion research. Provide Research Engineering expertise to research and technology projects. Contribute to developing the research engineering capability of the organisation. Supporting RACE projects and the execution of advanced research projects. A good understanding of control theory and mathematical techniques related to robotics and an expert knowledge of research area. Willing to contribute to improving UKAEA’s research culture and practices

What will you be responsible for?

• Developing new techniques for novel robotic systems for nuclear applications 
• Testing hypotheses and analyse data from variety of sources
• Reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate in an agile manner
• Engaging with nuclear stakeholders to understand their needs 
• Leading mid-sized research projects or work packages of large projects and/or managing a portfolio of projects and tasks and prioritising/allocating work for a team
• Delivering projects to develop or improve/extend research over timescales of weeks to years

International and national travelling may be required for this role.

Qualifications

Essential skills, experience and competence required

• Degree in a scientific, engineering, or technical subject or equivalent knowledge and experience 
• Post graduate degree or experience in Research Engineering and an established publishing record 
• Understanding of Engineering design process principles and application 
• Experience of developing high-quality software used in relevant applications. 
• Experience of applying, adapting, and promoting good development practices throughout the entire research lifecycle   
• Appetite and ability to research and learn about new technologies and domains and to judge how to apply and share this knowledge 
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, and a proven ability to function as part of a team and an excellent working knowledge of English.

Desirable skills, experience and competence

• Strong programming ability with C++, Python, MATLAB or similar 
• Understanding of software engineering processes including lifecycle, version control, documentation and an understanding of sensor fusion techniques 
• Experience working with mobile robotics 
• Experience of Computer Vision 
• Professional registration. 
• Experience working with electromechanical or mechatronic systems 
• Experience of specifying sensors, actuators, and other control systems components 
• Object oriented programming capability 
• Working experience of designing and implementing control systems 

Additional Information

What we offer

Our comprehensive benefits package includes a vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive, an Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, Flexible working options including family friendly policies, Emergency paid leave, Generous annual leave allowance (30.5 days) increased with length of service, wide range of career development opportunities, outstanding defined benefit pension scheme; Corporate bonus scheme (up to 7% for Levels 1 - 7, as well as 3rd and 4th year apprentices) and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly from individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, including nationality and citizenship, people with disabilities and women. The Executive team with support from our ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, is actively promoting EDI and taking steps to increase the diversity of our people through reinforcing best practice in recruitment and selection, and revaluating approaches where it is clear we can remove barriers to success.

Please note all employees working at the UK Atomic Energy Authority will be required to complete an online Disclosure Certificate application as part of their clearance – The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks will show the details of all current criminal convictions or will confirm that there are no such convictions.

Note for applicants who are applying for employment with UKAEA either from outside the United Kingdom or who have spent time outside the United Kingdom in the last five years. Please visit  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants . If the country you are resident in or have resided in is not listed on this website or that the UK Government is not aware of how to obtain a criminal records check from that state then we are unable to process your application.