Research Engineer

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity In collaboration with our multidisciplinary team, this role will help develop novel electroactive polymer sensors for underwater drone applications. Specifically, we wish to give the drone a fish-like ability to navigate in tight spaces, interpret what is ahead in the flow and to move efficiently in the flow.The role will involve the electronic design and implementation of systems for data acquisition and signal processing of the flow sensors and is expected to be adept at improvement of signals collected from capacitive and resistive sensors, analysis of them and programming pattern recognition algorithms.As part of a larger team, the role includes project management tasks for the specified technical areas of the project ensuring necessary quality standard, defining of work packages, according to budget and other contractual requirements set by external clients.This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) fixed term position for 23 months.Remuneration - $71000 - $82000 depending on experience.For more detailed information, please refer to the Position DescriptionMō tō mātou rōpū | About the teamThe Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) is a large-scale research institute of the University of Auckland bringing new technologies to commercial reality through scientific and engineering research. The workers within its Biomimetics Laboratory (www.biomimeticslab.com) are exploring the use of soft electroactive polymer technology for a range of applications including energy harvesting, strain sensing and artificial muscles. Our researchers use the structure and function of biological systems as models for the design and engineering of these materials and devices.The lab supports 8 post-graduate projects (2 Post-Doc, 5 PhD, 1 ME) and is closely associated with its spin-out companies StretchSense Ltd., and PowerOn Ltd., technological leaders in wearables for human body motion capture and robotic tactile sensing respectively.He kōrero mōu | About youAssist in signal quality improvements through signal processing algorithms and improved data acquisition. Develop real time data acquisition and processing frameworks.Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering or mechatronicsWrite technical reports and data collection for performed tasks.Perform signal processing applications making it possible to visualize and analyse patterns in the collected data.Design a model to link sensor output to upstream flow behaviour for an underwater swimming robot.Lead sensor design changes to improve data quality and sensitivity. Manage their implementation. Write signal analytics algorithms including thorough