Principal Development Engineer – Transmission

Principal Development Engineer with experience of development (and calibration) of engines, gearboxes or energy recovery systems.

Specification
The primary focus of the successful candidate will be on the development of our KERS technology. You will be the technical lead for the development and testing of KERS hardware, in order to deliver specific customer KERS programmes intended for production. The remit is broad ranging and includes the definition of the test program, the build and test of sub-systems and systems, the detailed analysis of test data, and ultimately the delivery of working hardware that fulfils customer requirements inline with the customer programme schedules.

Responsibilities and Key Tasks:

1. Regular liaison with colleagues based in our KERS centre of excellence, located on our sister site; in particular with our Chief Engineer who is responsible and has the final sign-off for all elements that relate to the technical performance of the KERS; liaison also required with the other design team

2. Write the Design Verification Plan (DVP) and confirm hardware build requirements for specific KERS programmes which may include one off performance tests through to full durability test programmes for production

3. Support day-to-day operations with the planning of development tasks

4. Providing oversight, on the running of tests to evaluate:

a. Sub-systems, either ahead of or in parallel with system level tests

b. System level performance, on both test rigs and in customer vehicles.

5. Detailed analysis of experimental data generated from both system and sub-system tests; presentation of results in a quantitative and structured manner in order to:

a. Aid the direction of design iterations to improve system performance

b. Validate design guidelines and simulation models

6. Analysis and documentation of failures of mechanical components (gears, shafts, clutch packs)

7. Provide guidance on the development of calibrations for the control system to deliver the expected level of refinement

8. Support other team members to deliver work packages within the KERS programme.

9. If required, be willing to provide hand-on support in running of tests and associated tasks

10. Liaison with purchasing, manufacturing and the supply chain as required to support development activities

11. Support the generation, implementation, and the roll out of development related processes and procedures

What we offer:

1. The opportunity for a central role in developing cutting-edge technology which solves real-world problems

2. Exciting Engineering challenges and continued opportunities to learn and develop

3. Work within a friendly, supportive team in an environment which encourages the contribution of new ideas

4. A competitive salary and benefits package that includes:

a. A company pension plan, with generous employer contributions

b. A discretionary share incentive scheme

c. 25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays

What we require: (Experience, Qualification and Skills)

Experience: Previous experience in a similar role is essential; typically the development (and calibration) of engines, gearboxes or energy recovery systems, analysis of data and sub system testing.

Leading customer programmes though the development phase

Rig specification, configuration and instrumentation set up

Analysis of test data and the generation of concise test reports

Man management experience

Qualifications: A degree in an appropriate Engineering discipline.

Skills (essential): Understanding of the development of engines, gearboxes, clutches, hydraulics, or KERS systems.

Running system tests e.g. set-up engine and electric motor driven dynamometer based rigs for system testing

Running subsystem tests e.g. setup of a transmission control block on a hydraulic rig to perform functional and performance tests

Strong and structured analytically capabilities: Test data analysis, review of failed parts and root cause analysis.

Knowledge of materials, properties, testing and failure modes

Knowledge of Matlab or equivalent analysis tools / environment

Fully competent with MS Office applications, in particular Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook

Skills (desirable): Knowledge of ECUs and CAN communication systems

Understand of software control code (‘C’ code and Matlab/Simulink model based coding)

Other Attributes: Determined with a positive, can-do attitude

A passion for Engineering and in particular for clean technology

Ability to work in a high pressure environment