This is a 2-year contract position as a Lead R&D Engineer in the Centre for Environmental Sustainability.
Job Description
Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lead the design and development of embedded control systems for industrial and building energy applications
- Architect control systems at component, sub‑assembly, and system level, including controller selection, I/O design, and communication architecture
- Develop and implement control software using PLC platforms and high‑level programming languages (e.g. C++, C#, Python)
- Integrate sensors, actuators, and field devices using common industrial communication protocols (e.g. Modbus, BACnet)
- Define system requirements, design project scope, and prepare technical proposals for industry consultancy projects
- Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, and thermal domains to deliver integrated system solutions
- Conduct applied R&D to develop and translate new technologies in line with CFES technology roadmap
- Support commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and performance optimisation of deployed systems
- Deliver training to industry partners through short courses or as part of consultancy engagements
Requirements
- Deliver training to industry partners through short courses or as part of consultancy engagements
- Strong hands‑on experience in embedded control system development, including PLC ladder logic and function block programming
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as C++, C#, or Python, applied to industrial or embedded systems
- Experience with sensor and actuator integration, control panels, and system commissioning
- Familiarity with building systems, BMS, energy management systems, and HVAC applications would be an advantage
- Experience in applied R&D, consultancy, or industrial system deployment
- Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with staff, student interns, and industry collaborators
- Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and systems‑thinking skills
- Good written and oral communication skills
