Vibro Acoustics and Robotics Sensing (KTP Associate)

Department/School: Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering
Work arrangement: The usual work hours are from 08:30 – 17:00, with 30 mins for lunch (40 hours per week).
Contract type: Fixed-term (30 months) / Hybrid.

Main duties and responsibilities

* Deliver the project objectives as detailed in the KTP project work plan.

* Contribute to the development of a new sensor technology that can be deployed on a mobile robot and used to detect early onset of pipe wall damage. This will include:

* Propose and develop the right science and to use and to inform the development of the vibro-acoustic sensor

* Design of the sensors

* Deployment of the sensors on a robust robotic platform

* Testing the sensing technology in collaboration with other non-academic partners

* Technology transfer

* Participating in project meetings

* Take a leading role in identifying, assessing, and addressing project risks and challenges on an ongoing basis to ensure successful
completion of the project.

* Maintain an up-to-date project plan and provide regular progress reports.

* Organise project technical and progress meetings.

* Deliver presentations to immediate project team members and other stakeholders.

* Collaborate with the supervisory teams in the University and Synthotech to write and publish technical papers based on the project
outcomes.

* Completion of all KTP Training and KTP Associate Final Report in a timely manner.

* Contribute to the enhancement of the University research profile through publications,collaborations, and knowledge exchange
activities.

* Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious Vibro-acoustics and Robotics Sensing Engineer to fast-track their career development as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate, utilising computer programming and simulation skills to developing new vibro-acoustic sensing technologies to work on robots to detect leaks and other wall defects in pressurised water pipes.

You will be employed by the University of Sheffield, but will spend a considerable period of time working at Synthotech in Harrogate as a part of a dynamic engineering team who carry out a world-class research and development work to stay at the forefront of this technology. As a KTP Associate, you will embed new know-how using research and academic support from the University of Sheffield.

You will be expected to be flexible to work in Sheffield and Harrogate and to attend field trials on dedicated sites around Yorkshire. You will also be expected to attend meetings with various water utilities with whom Synthotech works on a range of related projects. You will be project lead and have creative freedom to suggest changes and implement your ideas.