Atmospheric Turbulence Correction Algorithms Engineer (KTP Associate)

The University of Bristol wishes to recruit a highly skilled & qualified graduate / post-graduate to lead and deliver a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Thales UK Limited, a global electronics and digital systems group, servicing defence, avionics, banking, digital identity, security, transport and services markets.

The post holder will be based at the Thales Optronics site in Glasgow and will help to develop advanced, real-time atmospheric turbulence correction algorithms to enhance the long-range imaging quality of optical sighting systems.​ You will embed new knowledge into the business using research and academic support from the University of Bristol. You will be able to apply your degree in real world applications with the role providing an introduction to industrial and commercial work whilst retaining links to academia.

This 24-month KTP includes a £4,000 training budget with 10% of your time dedicated to your personal development. You will have access to a pension scheme with generous employer contributions. This unique funded opportunity from Innovate UK provides a blend of training and expert supervision, focusing on fast-track development of personal, organisational, leadership and analysis skills. The project will deliver new cutting-edge technology, provide excellent career development and hone your skills to become a future leader.

What will you be doing?

• Reviewing and benchmarking advanced image and video processing algorithms
• Developing and adapting machine learning models
• Integrating and deploying algorithms onto industrial hardware
• Evaluating performance in realistic scenarios and refining solutions under system constraints.
• Supporting the transfer of robust, deployable technology into the business.
• Disseminating results via conferences and meetings
• Writing papers in both high impact and specialised journals
• You will be the project lead, managing your own workload and ensuring outputs, including leading on meetings and workshops.
• Direct problem-solving activities and your own learning.
• You’ll have creative freedom to suggest changes and develop the project plan.

You should apply if you have:

• First degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics (PhD desirable)
• Strong mathematical background.
• Experience of image processing and analysis techniques and experience of coding (e.g. Python, Matlab and/or C++). ​
• Deep learning experience.
• Eligibility to obtain M.O.D Security Clearance.
• Knowledge of atmospheric turbulence modelling or mitigations methods (desirable).​
• Knowledge of algorithm deployment on hardware platforms (desirable).
• Excellent communication skills and experience of developing research projects or industry/academia collaborations.​
• Willingness to lead and take ownership of the project with excellent problem-solving skills.

The project will develop algorithms for atmospheric turbulence mitigation. As the KTP Associate, you will bridge cutting-edge academic research and industrial deployment by reviewing and benchmarking advanced image and video processing algorithms, developing and adapting machine learning models, and integrating them onto real-world hardware platforms. You will evaluate performance in realistic scenarios, refine solutions under system constraints, and support the transfer of robust, deployable technology into the business.