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Imetrum is a world leader in non-contact precision measurement. We make systems that leading engineering companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Atkins & Formula1 Teams use to characterise materials and understand structures. We are a small company with a flexible approach and all of us do a wide range of tasks. Working with us will give you the chance to be involved in most aspects of the business, and will enable you to learn many new skills.
The Project:
Initially, this project will involve the Research Engineer adopting a systems level approach to understanding the technical & commercial feasibility of developing embedded versions of Imetrum’s patented optical measurement software for numerous applications. They will work with Imetrum's commercial team to consider areas such as:
• How high technology solutions are seen as adding value to end-users’ businesses
• The decision making process that takes place when considering adoption of technology solutions
• How the needs (benefits) are defined in both technology and commercial terms
Some of the techniques that will be used when considering the above are:
• Structured and semi-structured interviewing of market, technology and applications influencers: meetings, questionnaires, discussion groups
• Systems modelling
• Business and Product lifecycles
The above research will enable a number of applications to be selected for which the research engineer will implement embedded solutions. This will require development of novel, application specific algorithms.
The current Imetrum product is based on a Windows PC platform. We anticipate that the embedded solution(s) will likely be based on a micro-controller, smart camera or embedded/industrial PC platform. We are therefore looking for a candidate that has strong C++ programming skills and ideally experience with:
• GUI design & programming (preferably Visual Studio)
• Knowledge of micro-controller architecture and an understanding of the principles of optimising code for such an architecture
• Knowledge of PC architecture particularly relating to high bandwidth requirements (from the camera): PCI, PCI Express, SATA, SSD, Express Card
It is also quite possible that the solution will be distributed e.g. the embedded device could be configured via a remote terminal across a network or the device may send it’s measurement data across a network to a database.
The candidate should not be put off by the exhaustiveness of the above skills lists as the project will enable a great deal of learning and experience to be gained whilst based at Imetrum.
EngD in Systems:
This is a full-time, four-year programme, offering the experience of rigorous, leading edge research within a business context. The RE will spend approximately 75% of their time on the research project based at Imetrum, with the remaining time spent at the Systems Centre on taught courses. The Research Engineer will be registered at the University of Bristol.
Candidate Requirements:
Candidates should have a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to the research.
Applicants for this project should ideally understand optical pattern recognition technology and C++ programming.
Funding Notes:
Funding:
A tax-free EPSRC stipend (£15,090 for 2010/2011) will be available for the successful candidate and will be enhanced by a minimum of £3500 p.a. from Imetrum. Tuition fees will also be covered. Standard EPSRC studentship eligibility applies.
Position open until filled
References:
Contacts
Academic contact: For details on the research project, please contact Dr Jonathan Rossiter Jonathan.Rossiter@bristol.ac.uk
Administrative: Miss Sarah Tauwhare, IDC Coordinator sarah.tauwhare@bristol.ac.uk
For information about how to apply and for further details visit http://www.bris.ac.uk/eng-systems-centre/