Working with colleagues at BAE Systems and academics at the University of Strathclyde the associate will undertake a 2.5 year program of work that will look to integrate Strathclyde’s robotic weld inspection systems into BAE Systems manufacturing processes.

Salary: £37,000 to £45,000

FTE: 1 (37 hours/week)

Term: Fixed Term (30 months)

Closing Date: 18 August 2024

The Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering in partnership with BAE Systems (https://www.baesystems.com/en/home) are seeking to appoint a KTP Associate to develop the next generation of their robotic weld inspection technology. The post will be predominantly be based at BAE Systems site in Barrow with visits to the University of Strathclyde campus.

BAE Systems plc is a British multinational aerospace, defence and information security company. It is the largest defence contractor in Europe and the seventh-largest in the world based on applicable 2022 revenues. BAE provides some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. BAE employ a skilled workforce of approx. 100,000 people in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, BAE develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure. BAE supports a wide research portfolio across the UK's Universities. This project will sit in the submarine section of the business with its focus on designing, manufacturing and commissioning the Royal Navy's nuclear submarines.

The project is part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme that aims to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. Successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership projects are funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK and are part of the government’s Industrial Strategy. To find out how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position please visit: www.ktpws.org.uk

The position offers the KTP Associate the following benefits:

• a challenging and rewarding job with real responsibility
• a planned programme of training courses, including a £5k personal development budget
• mentoring from experienced industrial and academic supervisors
• the support and resources of the University of Strathclyde
• the possibility of registering for a higher degree with the University
• the potential for good career development with the company at the end of the scheme
• developing and proving expertise in the prospering fields of renewable energy and remanufacturing
• the opportunity to make important and tangible improvements in an ambitious and dynamic company
• the opportunity to create foundations with the organisation to develop new business models

The objective of this project is to develop a general-purpose robotic crawler for automated weld inspection of maritime vessels. There is a need for adaptable systems to locate and scan hundreds of metres of weld for structure-threatening defects. This is crucial for keeping the crews of maritime vessels safe.

To be considered for the role you will be expected to have a PhD degree in Electronic Engineering or equivalent. The successful candidate will have experience in ultrasonic instrumentation and inspection. For a full list of role requirements please see the person specification below.

Working with colleagues at BAE Systems and academics at the University of Strathclyde the associate will undertake a 2.5 year program of work that will look to integrate Strathclyde’s robotic weld inspection systems into BAE Systems manufacturing processes.

In particular, they will further develop our prototype robotic crawler with inspection arm so it can be used in BAE operations. Technical challenges include:

1. Developing specifications and defining usage cases
2. Developing a ruggedised system
3. Adapting the system to work on complex geometries
4. Adapting the system to work on site at BAE Systems sites, meeting all safety and security requirements.
5. Testing and refining the system based on operator feedback.

**Continued, see Further Particulars**

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Professor Gordon Dobie, (gordon.dobie@strath.ac.uk).