Applied Vision Control (KTP Associate)

Fixed Term Contract for 24 months

Location: Richmond Defence Systems Ltd (RDS), Armtec Estate, North Lopham,Diss, Norfolk, IP22 2LR

An exciting opportunity to work as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate has arisen as part of a collaboration project between Richmond Defence Systems (RDS) and Cranfield University.  The project will focus on the development of an Uncrewed/Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle to neutralize explosive remnants of war.

About the Role

To embed capabilities in algorithm development to create a novel first-to-market Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Uninhabited  Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that allows operators the means to neutralise IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and UXBs (Unexploded Bombs) with reduced deployment time-to-target, terrain challenges and ground safety hazards.

About You

This role requires knowledge and expertise in mathematical modelling, positioning algorithm generation, software programming languages such as C and C++, simulation products (e.g., MATLAB, SIMULINK and related toolboxes, Stateflow), control System design techniques (linear and nonlinear). Experience in control design and development is essential with a background/interest in control, electronics, electrical and mechanical systems (UAVs). The Associate will have a minimum of a 2.1 honours degree in engineering in one or more of the areas below, with an emphasis on control algorithm design and development: Control, Automation, Mechatronics, Aerospace. A Master's and/or PhD Degree in a related discipline is desirable.

About Us

You will be based at RDS and will work closely with the RDS team and a team of academics at the Cranfield Centre for Defence Engineering.

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

Centre for Defence Engineering (CDE) - “Cranfield for Defence and Security is one of the eight themes at Cranfield University offering world-class and niche post-graduate level research, education, training and consultancy. The Centre for Defence Engineering consists of three research and teaching Groups focusing on Air and Land systems for defence applications. Our aim in the Centre for Defence Engineering is to create world-leading academic knowledge within the multiple disciplines that make up defence engineering and technology. The Centre is focused on the provision of teaching, research and consultancy excellence; our academics are keen to find solutions to real life problems.

The post holder will join the Vehicle and Mechatronics Group which combines world-renowned expertise on various vehicle and mechatronics technologies from individual elements to highly complex military systems. We provide research, consultancy and a range of educational courses in mechatronics and vehicle systems and their design, dynamics and related subjects. This also covers general engineering and design. Some of our areas of expertise include mechatronics, control, dynamics, autonomous vehicles, terramechanics, health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) and system integration of land platforms; gun system design for ballistics, small arms, direct and indirect fire large-calibre systems; and general mechanical design.

At Richmond Defence Systems (RDS) we save lives by providing Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators all over the world with the tools they need to defeat Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Unexploded Bombs (UXBs). Our Norfolk facilities include commercial and design offices, a 30-metre ballistic test range with ultra high frame rate video recording, CNC machining, 3D printing, cartridge loading and electro-mechanical assembly shops—allowing us to rapidly develop new products. Our founding team developed the first recoilless modular de-armer disruptor system which is still in service with the British Army. The system allows the remote removal of UXB (Unexploded Bomb) fuse heads and the disruption of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS)—and was frequently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

35 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch (earlier start and end time could be agreed). Possibility to work 1 day a week from home.

How to apply                                   

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Irfan Khan at irfan.khan2@cranfield.ac.uk or John Economou at j.t.economou@cranfield.ac.uk.