Development Engineer (KTP Associate)

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Solid-State Power Supply for Microwave Plasma Generation (KTP Associate)
Cardiff School of Engineering

Cardiff University (School of Engineering) are looking to recruit a Development Engineer (Associate) to support an exciting Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Edwards LTD. The project will focus on the development of high-efficiency solid-state microwave power generation for plasma-based environmental applications.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) provide an opportunity for graduates to undertake strategic projects in a partnership with universities and industry. The role offers an opportunity to work directly with industry and develop research and commercial skills, and is a great chance to manage a challenging, real-world project and to implement strategic development within an innovative company.

The KTP is established between Cardiff University, who hold expertise in microwave electronics design and Edwards Ltd, whose expertise include exhaust gas management systems for the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
About the project.

This collaborative KTP project will serve to develop a commercially viable and versatile solid-state microwave power source for the generation of atmospheric pressure microwave plasma.

About the company
Edwards Ltd is a global leader in the design, manufacture and sale of vacuum products and exhaust gas management systems for a number of applications, including, but not limited to, those used in the semiconductor, flat panel display, solar and LED market sectors. Their vacuum product range includes dry, turbomolecular, diffusion and ultra-high vacuum pump varieties, amongst others, as well as measurement and leak detection equipment. The current core revenue generating products for exhaust gas managements systems are those based on the combustion of toxic, hazardous, and global warming gases, which left unabated can significantly impact on our environment. Other Edwards Ltd offerings include process gas analysers, cryogenic refrigeration systems and temperature management systems for the heating of process/exhaust gas pipelines. The diverse range of products offered by Edwards Ltd has led to a presence in every major semiconductor fabrication plant in the world.
Edwards Ltd has over 4,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment. Edwards Ltd has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America, and the Clevedon site is currently undergoing a large expansion and upgrade to its R&D facilities.

About KTP
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a Government-supported initiative, enabling graduates to manage strategic projects in a partnership with universities and industry. KTP enables an Associate to:

• Fast-track their career.
• Gain project management skills.
• Become proficient in business practices.
• Be part of a World Class University.
• Get relevant training via a bespoke personal development programme.

The post offers bespoke training (residential and online training with KTP and through the company), mentoring and supervision, as well as possibility of international travel. To find out more go to

Graduates – Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (ktp-uk.org)

.

Job details

The post is full-time (35 hours) and fixed-term starting ideally in March 2023 for 27 months. New graduates are also encouraged to apply.

The Associate will be employed by Cardiff University and located in the Research and Development laboratories of Edwards Ltd in Clevedon, UK.  

Starting salary up to £37,500 per annum, with an increment every year and a completion bonus, depending on performance.

Job ref: 16286BR

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Jonathan Lees ([email protected]), Dr Roberto Quaglia, ([email protected] ) and Dr George Whittell ([email protected] )

For further details about working at Cardiff School of Engineering please contact [email protected]

Date advert posted: Tuesday, 7 March 2023

Closing date: Tuesday, 28 March 2023

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Job Description

• With support from Edwards Ltd, to manage the KTP project including maintenance of project plans, and organisation of project-related meetings.
• To develop and manage a personal development plan including completing management training provided by the KTP Scheme.
• With the support of the academic team, to undertake research duties on power amplifiers and microwave generation, and to develop a technical understanding of the existing solutions on the market.
• Work with the team to specify a modular power amplifier design, source components and construct prototype.
• Integrate the power amplifier modules with downstream components of the abatement system (e.g. microwave launcher, waveguide and cavity).
• Assist in the testing of the complete system with relevant semiconductor process gases.
• Identify potential for gaining IP, prepare records of invention and perform searches to support patent drafting.
• To liaise regularly with the academic and company staff, updating them on project progress and planning future direction.
• To ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in respect of equality and diversity, data protection, copyright and licensing, security, financial and other University policies, procedures and codes as appropriate.
• To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and of other persons who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, EC directives and the University’s Safety, Health and Environment Policies and Procedures and to cooperate with the University on any legal duties placed on it as the employer.
• The KTP Associate may be asked to perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will be a graduate with a Good Bachelors, Masters or PhD level degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics. Preferably with a focus on RF/Microwave and electromagnetic topics.

Experience and skills

The Associate will need to have the following:

Essential skills and experience

• RF or Microwave circuit design and RF or Microwave characterisation
• Fluency in industry standard RF/Microwave CAD tools (e.g. Advanced Design System (ADS), Microwave Office)

Personal attributes

• Excellent Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Confidence to take a lead role in the KTP project
• Willingness to learn new skills in an interdisciplinary environment
• Demonstrable interest in practical work

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge

• RF or Microwave power amplifier circuit design
• Power electronics circuitry
• Knowledge of the semi-conductor industry and manufacturing methods
• Knowledge of plasma physics/chemistry

Additional Information

About Cardiff University School of Engineering and the CHFE group
The School of Engineering conducts internationally renowned research alongside teaching that places students at the centre of the learning experience.

The School of Engineering holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. Cardiff University is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. For this vacancy we actively encourage women to apply. We will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share opportunities.  About us – School of Engineering – Cardiff University

The Centre for High Frequency Engineering (CHFE) was established in 1997 and has now grown to be one of the largest Research Groups in the School of Engineering, with 13 academic staff, 8 Post-Doctoral Research Associates and over 20 PhD students.  Research covers the specific areas of the fundamental science and applications of electronic materials, wireless communications systems, sensor technologies, embedded systems, compound semiconductor epitaxy and MMIC technology development, and microfluidics. This research has a significant impact in areas as diverse as security, advanced materials, energy, future communications systems and healthcare. To find out more go to:
https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/explore/research-units/centre-for-high-frequency-engineering

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria.

As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance, 16286BR.