Research and Development Engineer - South Africa at Draslovka

About the Role:

This position plays a crucial role in our organization's advanced sensor systems development initiatives. The Engineer is responsible for the conceptualization, design, development, and optimization of these novel sensor systems. A comprehensive grasp of areas ranging from component level sensors, mechanics, analogue and digital electronics, to digital signal processing, machine learning, calibration techniques, and human interface technologies is required. Additionally, this role entails mentoring and guiding junior engineers, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and expertise.

At the core of our R&D efforts, the Engineer is tasked with pushing the boundaries of next-generation sensor technologies, ensuring our organization remains at the cutting edge of industry advancements.

Key Responsibilities:

Research & Development:

• Oversee and participate in the design, development, and optimization of technology. Such technology includes sensor components, optics, mechanics, electronics, software, digital signal processing algorithms (particularly for raw signal processing from sensors like spectrometers, machine vision cameras and ultrasonic sensors), calibration techniques, data handling, support systems and reporting. Document and present research findings, technological advancements, and innovations to key stakeholders.
• Lead the prototyping, testing, and validation processes to ensure performance specifications are met.

Problem Solving & Troubleshooting:

• Troubleshoot, analyse and address challenges arising throughout the sensor system. Conduct simulations to identify weaknesses of developed algorithms against real-world sensor data.

Leadership & Strategy

• Spearhead research initiatives to identify technological gaps and propose innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, industry partners, and academic institutions to drive advancements in sensor technology. 
• Lead and supervise junior engineers, cultivating an environment of continuous learning and innovation.

Management & Training:

• Provide mentorship, guidance, and technical training to ensure professional growth and skill enhancement.
• Ensure the team maintains best practices, standards, and methodologies for consistent and high-quality output. 
• Project management of own projects (scoping, scheduling, monitoring, budget, communication).

Coordination and Collaboration

• Coordinate closely with hardware and software developers for the seamless integration and optimization of sensor solutions within the broader system.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, deliver updates, and manage expectations.
• Continuously monitor industry trends, research publications and emerging technologies to ensure the company's leading position.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Comprehensive understanding of the entire sensor development chain, from physical principles, through chemistry, optics, mechanics, heat transfer, analogue & digital electronics, software, signal processing, data bases, machine learning and calibration to human interfacing.
• Knowledge of sensor characteristics, and requirements to integrate typical sensors (such as spectrometers, machine vision cameras or ultrasonic impact sensors) with light sources, signal amplifiers, micro-processors, embedded algorithms, networking, power supplies, packaging, etc.
• Knowledge to create robust solutions for challenges such as electromagnetic noise, vibration, heat transfer and temperature effects on optics, light sources, sensors and amplifiers.
• Proficiency in programming and scripting languages, notably C/C++, Python, Bash and MATLAB or Julia, coupled with experience in real-time processing and DSP implementation on embedded platforms.
• Strong foundational knowledge in signal processing theory, linear algebra, and statistical signal processing.
• An understanding of sensor fusion techniques, supplemented by machine learning and deep learning methods applied to sensor data is a plus.