Postgraduate Engineer - Human Machine Interface

Job description

Postgraduate Student – Human Machine Interface Research

PROJECT START: As soon as a successful candidate is found

PROJECT DURATION: Six Months

LOCATION:  UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK / UK

The Team:

The Human Machine Interface Research team focus on the research and subsequent development of interface and interaction techniques and technologies for use in the automotive environment.  We develop intuitive, engaging HMI systems that enhance the user experience of the car through smart integration and use of interface technologies.  The focus is on a number of technical areas including input devices or technologies, output devices or technology and also systems that link the interface elements together such smart GUIs and VUIs.  This includes concept development, interaction design, testing and evaluation and experimental analysis – all carried out in a flexible Agile way. Working as part of a team, you’ll be asked to lead various technical aspects of the project portfolio targeted at specific areas focused around your area of expertise.

You’ll be given a choice of one of our three projects.

Project 1: Development, test and evaluation of simulator software for HMI evaluation

This project will be related to how we evaluate interface systems and benchmark different user trial simulation setups to understand their relative merits in order to make a recommendation of specific setups that are applicable for use within a research environment.

Project 2: Developing an understanding of how users use interface technologies and how this will influence user requirements for automotive HMI

This project will investigate factors relating to understanding how users interact within the modern-day motor car.  This will focus more on the behavioural aspects of interface technology. Your key responsibilities will be to generate and create concepts, design technical solutions to industry problems and both build and run user trials for performance and acceptability.

Project 3: The development of autonomous vehicle simulator system for HMI development

The key projects we will be investigating will be related to autonomy and factors relating to demand. You’ll be required to build an autonomous control software for the HMI research facility considering the key test use cases defined. Your key responsibilities will be to generate and create concepts, design a technical solution, build and user trial for performance and acceptability.

Key Interactions

Within your designated project, there will be a number of key interactions. Some of these will include working mainly within the HMI Research team based at Warwick University, where you’ll meet your Mentor, Area Technical Specialist and Delivery Manager. Within the Research department, you’ll also be involved in cooperation with other groups, and these will include Intellectual Property Officers and other Research Engineers.

There will be additional interaction with the Mainstream Product Development and Engineering teams, more specifically the Technical Specialist, Subject Matter Experts, Design and CAE Engineers and Group Leaders. Though not as frequently, you will also interface with the University Mentor and external suppliers as well as government, EU and other research-funding bodies.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

For the project roles described above, it is essential that you are pursuing a postgraduate degree in one of the following areas: Engineering, Software Development, Computer Science, Computer Vision, Hardware Development, Human Factors, Psychology or other related area.

The role will involve a number of activities, including creation of concepts and developing both bench-top and in-car demonstrators.  As well as an ability to collect and analyse concept and requirement data from multiple sources, it is desirable that you’ll have a good working knowledge of data analysis, testing and evaluating systems with real users and a passion for human interaction and interface systems.  

You should also have an innovative mind and an ability to combine different facts and figures to come up with new solutions. Having an open mind to new methods and tools for product development is equally desirable, and being familiar with the automotive industry (including competitors, market and legislative requirements) will also stand you in good stead.

Personal Profile

This role will have you heavily rely on your project management capabilities and the ability to multitask while working independently. Self-motivated and able to collate data from multiple sources, you’ll round out your profile with strong communication skills and an ability to critically analyse large volumes of interactive requirements data.

Ideally, you’ll also be a naturally resilient and enthusiastic individual capable of delivering results under pressure whilst responding constructively to new ideas and inputs. All this will ensure you make the most of this exciting opportunity to gain a strong foothold in the industry and advance your future career.

 

Disclaimer

This project is offered to those who are pursuing a postgraduate degree (at least MSc or equivalent) as a part of the Research Postgraduate Placement Scheme. All placements are offered on a fixed term contract and must complete within twelve months, or sooner if specified in the start and completion information as part of this specification. You will agree with your manager on a suitable start and finish time and project objectives aligned with your technical interests and business needs. Students must already have a Right to Work in the UK visa for the complete duration of the placement, and be able to undertake 40 hours per week, each week, for the duration of the project.

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POSTING END DATE: 08/03/2018
ADVERTISED SALARY: £15,600
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