Jobs at Northumbria University Placements (Now Hiring) — 9 open

Building on work already completed, the successful candidate will take ownership of the next stage of technical delivery, including the development, testing and validation of power conversion, control and battery management approaches. You will work closely with Tridonic engineers and Northumbria academics to translate research outcomes into practical design guidance, technical documentation and knowledge transfer within the business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and optimising advanced control algorithms for energy efficiency.
• Designing advanced battery health monitoring techniques.
• Collaborating with the Tridonic team to embed innovative solutions and facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Reporting progress to academic and industrial stakeholders and presenting findings to diverse audiences.

This is a 12-month fixed-term role based primarily at Tridonic UK Ltd, Spennymoor, with the expected end date subject to confirmation of the project pause/restart.
 

This research project is a collaboration between Northumbria University and Tridonic UK, combining academic excellence with industry expertise.

The team includes Ian Wilson, Head of R&D at Tridonic UK, an experienced expert in electronics design and innovation, supported by Alekssander Santiago, System Architect specializing in hardware design and Cristiano de Menezes, specialising in power electronics. From Northumbria University, Dr Haimeng Wu who is the head of the electrical power and control system research group, an expert in power electronics and control algorithms, supported by Dr Yuchao Liu, specialising in high-efficiency power converters, and Dr Yongtao Qu, an expert in photovoltaic systems. Together, they ensure cutting-edge research and practical implementation for the success of the project.

Applicants should hold an MEng/MSc in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or a related field (PhD desirable) and demonstrate expertise in:

• Circuit theory, power electronics, and control systems.
• Battery systems, battery modelling, BMS development or battery health monitoring.
• PV systems, MPPT control or renewable energy system integration.
• Simulation and modelling using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, Python or equivalent.
• Experimental testing, data analysis and validation of power electronic or energy storage systems.
• Producing clear technical documentation and working effectively in an industrial R&D environment.

Desirable skills include embedded systems programming, microcontrollers, PCB design or testing, and experience of working with industry partners.

The successful candidate should be able to work independently, quickly understand existing technical work, build on previous project outputs, and progress an ongoing industrial research and development project with strong organisational and communication skills.

The KTP Associate will help embed this work into Tridonic UK Ltd and will build on the existing project outputs, technical documentation, and handover materials to ensure continuity and successful delivery of the next phase of the project.

In line with the University’s mission and corporate strategy, and Tridonic business and culture, you will: 

• Develop a full understanding of the strategic aims and function of the collaborative project between Tridonic UK Ltd and Northumbria University.
• Undertake research, design, development, implementation, and project management and take ownership of the KTP project.
• Feedback to the project team and deliver the project in accordance with the project plan and KTP management requirements.
• Document progress during the project, as well as completing KTP records.
• Present research outputs to a varied audience, including Tridonic UK Ltd’s management, clients, University academics and the KTP Local Management Committee (project team). 
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through academic publications, enhancing your professional profile and supporting the University's research impact.

Training and Development Opportunities

The KTP Associate will benefit from professional development opportunities, including:

• A generous £3000 training budget to support professional development activities 
• KTP residential training modules, focusing on project management, leadership, and business skills.
• Participation in academic conferences, enabling networking and insights into industry best practices.
• A tailored Personal Development Plan (PDP) with structured career support and mentoring.
• Technical training in power electronics, control systems, and embedded systems, supported by university and industry experts.
• Hands-on collaboration with senior professionals at Tridonic and Northumbria University to tackle real-world challenges

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Haimeng Wu at [email protected].

To apply for this vacancy, please click 'Apply Now.' Your application should include a covering letter and CV, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications.

Tridonic, a company of the Zumtobel Group founded in 1956 in Dornbirn, Austria, is a leading global provider of smart and efficient lighting solutions. With a presence in 75 countries and a workforce of approximately 1,586 employees, Tridonic supports its partners and customers with sustainable lighting systems for various applications, including office buildings, retail outlets, hotels, educational institutions, and outdoor environments. The company emphasizes innovation, dedicating significant resources to research and development, and holds over 2,500 patents. Committed to sustainability, Tridonic actively contributes to environmentally friendly lighting production worldwide.