Summary
Working with the R&D team, the prototyping and test engineer will be involved in designing, building and maintaining R&D test equipment, including data acquisition tools, signal measurement and processing, and development of control software. In addition, the engineer will also produce proof-of-concept systems which utilise Peratech’s force-sensing hardware and electronics, which may also be combined with signals from other complementary sensing components.
The engineer will work closely with the rest of the R&D team but will be expected to independently plan, conduct, and analyse developmental work. They will also liaise directly with stakeholders across the R&D, Product Development and Customer teams to understand testing and prototype needs, and will be involved all the way through the development process; from early-stage experiments and proof-of-concepts through to technology transfer for mass production test systems. Successful results will have a real-world impact on Peratech’s sensing solutions and further into customer products and applications.
The engineer is encouraged to take a holistic approach to Peratech’s sensor design and materials selection, and engage with the broader R&D team on a range of projects and activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develops proof-of-concept product prototypes from the ground up, including component integration, electronic circuit design and software development for signal processing and communications.
- Develops new and improved testing procedures based on needs and requirements from R&D and Product & Solutions teams.
- Collaborates with simulation partners (and uses in-house simulation tools), to design and run verification testing, to ensure simulations agree with real-world results and improve our simulation capability.
- Maintains, supports and enhances capabilities of Peratech’s test equipment and testing processes.
- Works in collaboration with other members of the R&D team to provide solutions to mechanical/electrical/simulation problems by devising appropriate testing procedures and protocols.
- Works safely in a lab environment including the safe use of complex and varied equipment. Keeps precise and accurate records of their work and communicates results and observations clearly and efficiently.
- Captures innovation and generates patents and/or other IP forms that protect inventions and create value for the company.
Essential Education, Experience, and Skills
- A background in engineering, physics, electronics, robotics or similar to degree level or equivalent.
- Experience of data acquisition and hardware control using at least one of Python,C, C# or C++.
- Experience of interfacing with different hardware (e.g., stepper motor, strain gauge, multimeter, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, National Instruments) and protocols (e.g., RS-232, RS-485, USB, TCP/IP).
- Experience of electronic circuit prototyping using breadboards.
- Experience in successfully designing, planning and building prototype systems which include sensor and/or actuator components, using creative problem solving to develop novel solutions.
- The willingness and capability to quickly learn new coding languages or data acquisition techniques, and build upon existing skill sets.
Desirable Education, Experience, and Skills
- Experience in industry or lab environments for designing/building/testing systems, or using robotic control systems.
- Experience with electromechanical simulation tools, such as ANSYS, COMSOL, or similar.
- Experience with firmware development in C++, or working with ARM target microcontrollers in an .
- Experience using LabVIEW
- Experience of test-driven development and unit testing methods
- Experience in PCB design
- Experience using version control software (e.g. Git, SVN).
- Experience with database frameworks (e.g. SQL).
- Experience of data analysis within the Python stack (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib), MATLAB, or equivalent in one of the aforementioned languages.
Employment Type
- Full-time, permanent employment based at Peratech R&D facility in NETPark, Sedgefield, UK.
- Practical laboratory work with appropriate PPE.
- Some national and international travel may be required, but we are open to discussing options if a candidate is unable to travel.
- The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK from commencement of employment.
Salary
£35,000 to £45,000 pa depending on skillset and experience.
Key Attributes We're Looking For
- Holds oneself accountable for completing the work that achieves our objectives
- Communicates with candor and poise
- Has a passion for innovating, problem-solving and continuously improving
- Is a competent contributor, motivator, and problem-solver in brainstorming and synthesizing solutions with various teams, spanning the globe
- Learns from the past quickly, manage mistakes, recovers fast, and helps others do the same
- Manages assumptions about ideas, people, and what we think we know and don't know
- Above all, demonstrates respect for everyone and values others for who they are and what they can contribute
About Peratech
Peratech is a pressure-sensing technology solutions company that provides next-generation touch and haptics solutions to some of the most exciting and innovative companies in consumer electronics, automotive, industrial, electronic appliance, and musical instrument markets.
Our force sensing technology sits at the crossroads of physics and chemistry, requiring a balance of clever thinking and problem-solving in materials science, mechanical and electronics engineering to take full advantage of its properties.
We are a small team of passionate technologists, engineers, scientists, and problem solvers looking for the best fellow teammates to help make our company a great success. We are an equal opportunity employer that believes the best people come from all walks of life all over the world.
Application Information
To apply, please submit a CV and Cover Letter to careers@peratech.com, by the application deadline of 11th October 2024.
UK Opportunity