Product Development Engineer (Electronics and Electrical)

In collaboration with National Trust Scotland (NTS), Mar Lodge Estate, we have an exciting opportunity at the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI), in Inverness College’s Research Department for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate. The KTP Associate is to lead the delivery of a project that will develop, pilot and implement an innovative herbivore deterrent to protect young trees from animal damage. In contrast to current practices, the deterrent must have a low landscape impact, be low in costs and maintenance and able to be deployed in remote areas under challenging environmental conditions. This deterrent has the potential to be ground breaking for woodland conservation in Scotland. The KTP Associate will be instrumental in developing this innovative conservation tool, with applications beyond forestry, and to bring it to market. We are looking for someone with expertise in electronics and electrical engineering and/or computer science, a keen interest in upland conservation, wildlife management and/or forestry, and an inquisitive and pro-active mind-set, capable of innovative-led thinking.

A key aspect of the role will be to employ the latest science-based research in electronics to identify, implement and embed new technologies, practices and processes in to the company for commercial delivery. You will engage with the company’s staff and stakeholders throughout the project to ensure that the technologies implemented are aligned with NTS’ requirements (see further information).

This 36-month, fixed term post will be based at Inverness College UHI with considerable time also spent at Mar Lodge Estate and other rural sites for field trials. The post is funded by a government grant through Innovate UK and is supported by three co-funders (Scottish Funding Council, Natural Environment Research Council and the Arts and Humanities Research Council). The KTP programme supports partnerships between business and universities, placing graduates (KTP Associates) to work on innovative high profile projects. To find out how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure this KTP Associate position please visit: https://www.ktpscotland.org.uk/Centres/NorthofScotland/tabid/4351/Default.aspx

Through the KTP, you will be given the support and mentoring you need to nurture your talent. You will have your own budget for training and CPD to help you develop your current skillset and reach your personal and professional career goals.

Inverness College UHI is committed to providing competitive employment packages whilst supporting the well-being of our staff to help them reach their full potential. As an Inverness College UHI employee, you will have access to the resources of the University of the Highlands and Islands as well as a range of benefits and rewards, including staff discounts, travel schemes and a highly attractive pension scheme.

Skills required: To be a successful applicant, you will have a BSc/BEng degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Control and Instrumentation Engineering, Computer Science or similar discipline. Candidates with highly relevant industry experience will also be considered. Having an MSc or PhD in one of the above subject areas is desirable but not essential for this role.

You should have experience with embedded systems and programming in a high level language, as well as with analogue and/or digital electronics design, build and test. We particularly welcome candidates with an interest in transducers and transducer interfacing, knowledge of small scale renewable energy systems, and experience in design of low-cost, reliable manufacture.

You will have the ability to take ownership over the project, working with the academic supervisors and NTS ecologists to set and deliver ambitious targets. You must have high levels of communication and team working skills as well as the ability to independently conduct industrial, market and academic research, and to turn fundamental research solutions to applied industrial solutions and demonstrable creativity to solve problems.

The post holder will be based at Inverness College UHI, but will be required to undertake regular travel between Inverness College and Mar Lodge to complete knowledge transfer and field trial activities, the costs of which will be funded by the grant. Due to the remote location of the field test sites and lack of public transport connectivity, it is a requirement that the successful candidate will have a driving license and access to their own vehicle.

Interviews will be held at Inverness College UHI on 9 October 2019.

If you have any queries about the application process please contact the Human Resources Department on recruitment.ic@uhi.ac.uk or on 01463 273210.