Senior Engineer (iAMS)

To play a leadership role in the continuing expansion of the Centre for Intelligent Autonomous Manufacturing Systems (i-AMS), an interdisciplinary centre within Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Queen’s. Key responsibilities include undertaking significant software and algorithm development projects focused on Industry 0 and/or Intelligent Automation, managing and supervising research and development projects, developing demonstrations to attract new partners and create impact, undertaking feasibility studies, assisting with H2020 and other large grant proposals, and working with the Director to identify and develop strategic links/partnerships with industry and other research centres nationally and internationally with the aim of growing i-AMS rapidly as a world class centre that successfully combines leading edge research with knowledge transfer, commercialisation and economic impact.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• To undertake significant software and algorithm development projects focused on Industry 0 and/or Intelligent Automation.
• To contribute to the research, commercialisation and technology transfer activities of i-AMS by managing and leading multi-disciplinary research projects.
• Support academic research staff in securing and delivering externally funded research projects.
• Develop and execute project plans to completion.
• Design and development of proof of concept demonstrators that incorporate newly developed capabilities emerging from ongoing research.
• To assist with the raising of substantial funding from industry and major government sources, nationally and internationally.
• Produce high quality technical reports and deliverables to enable commercialisation or assist in generating funding opportunities to support further programme activity.
• Help develop the international reputation of i-AMS through presentations, attendance at trade-shows and visiting major companies and research centres worldwide.
• Contribute strongly to achieving i-AMS and the University’s plans and objectives, providing a role model for younger staff.
• Links strongly with industrial partners to facilitate the transfer of capabilities into commercial R&D teams.
• Provide mentoring and training to staff/students as appropriate.
• Support inward investment initiatives by the regional development agency (Invest NI) by participation in strategic events and activities.
• Carry out routine administrative tasks to ensure project goals are completed on time and within budget.
• Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be requested by management.

Planning and Organising:

• Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability.
• Substantial personal responsibility and autonomy.
• Plan own work to meet given objectives and processes.
• Contribute to the research and development plans for i-AMS.
• Plan the use of equipment and laboratory resources as appropriate.
• Plan, schedule and monitor work activities in order to meet time and quality targets and deadlines.
• Liaise with other team members to achieve coordinated progress against objectives.

Resource Management Responsibilities:

• Ensure research and development facilities and resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
• Provide guidance as required to supporting staff and students assisting with research activities.
• Responsibility for work of others and allocation of resources as required.
• Ensure own and subordinates skills are up to date and maintain awareness of developments in the industry.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Initiate and sustain engagements with team members to facilitate progress against objectives.
• Interaction with others including senior academic staff, and senior industry and government executives.
• Participate in external engagements with commercial partners, government bodies and academic institutions related to specialisation as required.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• 2:1 Honours Degree, or equivalent, in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline.
• Must have significant R&D or industrial experience in some of the following areas relating to software and algorithm
• development for Intelligent automation and Industry 0: Industrial informatics, Robotics and visual servoing, Machine learning and advanced data analysis, Predictive maintenance and soft sensing, Embedded intelligence, Zero-defect manufacturing, Virtual manufacturing, Autonomous decision support systems, Human-robot collaborative working environments and Energy efficiency in manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Industry 0 and/or intelligent automation state-of-the-art is essential.
• A sustained stream of high quality outputs such as technical reports, major software component design specifications and project deliverables which have successfully passed formal quality review procedures. Relevant peer reviewed publications may also be acceptable.
• Proven track record of supervision of others relating to technical leadership, direction and assistance to project teams.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly in both written and spoken English.
• Evidence of strong presentation skills and ability to prepare clear and concise presentation materials.
• A consummate team player who is open-minded and is prepared to work closely with other members of a large multidisciplinary research and development team.
• Willingness to attend meetings and conferences nationally and internationally as requested, i.e. must be prepared to travel

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• A Ph.D. in a relevant area. Evidence of executing and managing industrial and/or research projects.
• Evidence of assisting in raising substantial funding to support further activity.
• Activities which support and contribute to commercialisation will also be considered as evidence of raising funding to support further research activity.
• Entrepreneurship experience.
• Knowledge of, and involvement in, relevant standards activities.
• Evidence of an innovative, analytical and systematic approach to problem solving.
• Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research and development methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
• Ability to interact constructively with others including senior academic staff and industrial/government collaborators.
• Enthusiastic, hard-working personality with a strong drive to complete projects on time and to deliver the promised outcomes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: We are offering generous terms and conditions of employment, a wide range of benefits and facilities, in a family friendly working environment. Belfast is one of Europe’s most friendly and fashionable regional capitals. Referred to as a ‘treasure with an incredible atmosphere’ (National Geographic Traveller), Belfast is reported to be the second safest city in the world (United Nations). With the
lowest cost of living in the UK (Mercer.com 2014), Belfast offers a variety of cultural, sporting, educational and social opportunities. Our University has established itself as the leading university for promoting good employment practice for its female staff and has been involved with the Athena SWAN initiative from its inception. Queen’s was one of the first of two universities to be recognised with an institutional Silver award in 2007, and all of our SET Schools currently hold SWAN awards at Silver level or above. The University is committed to equality of opportunity and to selection on merit. It therefore welcomes applications from all sections of society and particularly welcomes applications from women as females are underrepresented within this category.