Trials Instrumentation Engineer

TRIALS INSTRUMENTATION ENGINEER – CONTRACT 18 MONTHS – TELFORD Shropshire

Working closely with the engineering Subject Matter Experts and the Trials Team to undertake trials planning, with the focus of defining & documenting instrumentation requirements. Ensuring the selected instruments meet all trials needs through a combination of interrogating product datasheets and bench testing equipment.

The role is based on the Telford site although you should expect significant amounts of travel, to various locations around the UK and abroad.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES

• Work closely with the Instrumentation Lead, Trials Managers, Subject Matter Experts and other team members to ensure instrumentation is correctly specified, and capable of functioning as required throughout the duration of the trials.
• Contribute towards, and write instrumentation plans for trials, including Trials Readiness Reviews where required. Ensuring instrumentation is correctly specified to meet the accuracy, resolution & calibration requirements of the trials plan, with reference to appropriate military standards.
• Work autonomously under pressure at a range of test sites to ensure the instrumentation & data acquisition needs of the trial are met.
• Responsible for managing test equipment on trials sites in line with relevant company Security, Data and Asset Management Plans. Ensure all instrumentation is available, maintained and calibrated for the duration of the trial. Calibration certificates are in date, available & in accordance with the relevant standards.
• Ensure an adequate provision of spares stock on trials locations, arranged through the Instrumentation Lead. Fitting replacement or additional measurement equipment during trials to prevent equipment failure or minor scope increases delaying the schedule.
• Ensure DAQ systems & other measurement equipment are installed correctly as per trials instrumentation plans. Equipment must be installed such that it is mechanically secure, electrically safe & does not interfere with normal vehicle operating or safe ingress/egress.
• Responsible for gathering accurate and repeatable data for the trial as per the Detailed Test Plan. Data storage solutions such as hard drives and SD cards shall be managed to ensure complete test serials can always run without interference or data loss.
• Manage the production and storage of data in line with the Data Management & Security Plan(s), ensuring all data is handled as per its classification.
• Contributing towards Daily Trials Reports from an instrumentation perspective, including: documentation of equipment failures order status of necessary replacements instrumentation scope extensions & total data gathered.
• Contribute experience towards the purchase of new test equipment through the trials process. Ensuring it meets all applicable military standards and RBSL Subject Matter Expert requirements.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Proven ability in verification and validation activities, preferably on mobile machinery or within the Military Land Equipment domain.
• Proven ability with the specification, installation and operation of data acquisition equipment and instrumentation across complex systems.
• Knowledge of 24V systems, safe electrical working practices & fault finding are essential.
• Strong technical report writing, verbal and IT communication skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the UK and abroad.
• Must hold a Full UK Drivers Licence.

DESIRABLES

• Experience with instrumentation for firing, sighting & mobility trials is desirable.
• Working knowledge of CAN bus, Ethernet, electrical power and communication technologies / test equipment is desirable.
• Proven ability utilising various sensors such as accelerometers, strain gauges, temperature sensors, current clamps etc. is desirable.
• Familiarity with the following, or similar, hardware & software: Dewesoft, IMC, Racelogic VBox, is desirable.
• Familiarity with MOD sites and policies including Range Standing Orders etc. is an advantage.