Responsible To

Director of Engineering

KTP Associate: Electronics Development Engineer – an exciting opportunity has arisen for a qualified, self-motivated, innovative, meticulous and genuinely enthusiastic Electronics Engineer to work as a Researcher on a two year fixed term project with the aim to develop in-service testing and remote condition monitoring capability within Railway Vehicle Engineering Limited. You will utilise sensors, embedded systems, wireless communication and advanced signal processing techniques to produce a state of the art system that will meet present and future requirements and set the standard for future systems in the rail industry.

Inspire, Innovate, Impact.

The University of Derby are working closely with Railway Vehicle Engineering Ltd. (RVEL); a local Derbyshire company who specialise in engineering work on railway traction and rolling stock. They offer their customers a full range of innovative rolling stock engineering solutions whilst striving for exemplary safety and environmental performance.

The University of Derby and RVEL are therefore looking to recruit a Researcher on a fixed term contract to support these innovations. The project will be divided into several stages and the successful candidate will be required to complete these in the most time and cost effective manner according to the project plan.

Please note that the successful candidate will be employed by the University of Derby and will be required to adhere to RVEL’s Drug and Alcohol policy. Travel throughout the country and overseas will also be required, therefore a valid passport will be needed.

Please note that as this is a re-advertisement, previous applicants need not apply. Applications must be made through our e-Recruitment site. CVs alone will not be accepted.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Within three months to understand the standards required for the testing product itself and the tests and approvals they are supposed to achieve
2. In partnership with the Train Operating Company (TOC) to determine what simple interventions and improvements can be undertaken to improve the existing design and manufacture
3. Design a system which can be programmed to test at two levels (I) Continuity (what the current system should achieve) and (ii) Functionality
4. Create a prototype testing product which will include embedded systems and artificial intelligence
5. In partnership with the Train Operating Company (TOC) to undertake a wider study to develop technical data and evidence of performance
6. To investigate the scope of product certification required and achievable and gain the necessary certification for the product to be used
7. Preparation of marketing materials and plans to speak at events to promote the product e.g. IMechE events and one-to-one events – e.g. TOC specific meetings.
8. To review the overall project including making recommendations for future improvements to the testing product and the ‘add-on’ service capabilities and hand over
9. Production and management of the project plan supported by relevant tools such as Microsoft Project
10. Organise monthly project meetings between RVEL, the University of Derby and other associate companies
11. Produce monthly progress reports highlighting targets, objectives and any additional resource required for each period including any challenges met in delivering the project
12. Identify relevant training programmes to support development
13. Produce (with line manager) an induction programme for understanding both RVEL and the Rail Industry

The added functionality of the testing product will require additional training for the operator. The product will also require annual servicing, calibration and software updates. This presents a revenue generating opportunity for RVEL but the necessary materials and capability must be in place to deliver.

Person Specification

Short listing will be carried out by assessing suitability against the criteria set out in the person specification, as far as it is reasonable to do so before interview.

Work Pattern

Full time, Monday – Friday