Vacancy: Senior Robotics Technical Expert Location: Sonning Job Family: R&D Labs of the Future is a strategic Innovation Programme (KIP) within Johnson Matthey's R&D digital transformation, with the aim to accelerate R&D by recognising the value of research data and transforming legacy processes and practises through the application of digital data management platforms and AI/ML predictive analytics. Underpinning this evolution is the opportunity to introduce step-change improvements in safety, productivity, reproducibility, and traceability with Automation and Robotics (A&R). As a Senior Technical Expert, you will have a pivotal role in supporting JM's R&D teams by building, advancing, and maintaining robotics solutions to meet current and future needs. You will be part of a small team providing core skills in robotics and software engineering, and over time building out JM's capability in this field. Your responsibilities: Learn and understand the KUKA robot-based platform that JM has recently commissioned, so that you can support its ongoing operations and extend its capabilities with further integration to sensors, robotic controllers and/or laboratory instrumentation. Provide software system and/or hardware support, troubleshooting and debugging & continuous improvement using technical knowledge and problem-solving skills for effective reliability, uptime, performance, accuracy, and operation of the system. Create and maintain efficient code using best software development practices, maintain software documentation and to support the development of algorithms for machine learning. Work collaboratively and constructively with other engineers, technicians, and researchers, to share ideas, feedback, and expertise to ensure success of the projects Work with the scientific community to promote and advise on how automation and robotics can drive step-change efficiency. Conduct tests to evaluate the viability, performance and safety of proposed robotic systems and associated code, using simulations, CAD modelling, prototyping, or data analysis. Document and present the findings, functional designs, development activities, quality assurance, safety and testing processes and results, using clear and concise language, diagrams, charts, and reports. Design, develop, and implement the proposed automation solutions that meet project requirements and industry standards, utilising best-practise hardware and software approaches. Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures to mitigate potential hazards & ensure that automation projects comply with industry standards, and safety protocols. Develop new (or to enhance existing) training materials, user manuals and videos to deliver effective training for the end-users of the robotics platforms. Establish relationships with JM Sponsors and key stakeholders in JM IT, procurement & legal as required. Support the External Programmes Manager to assist in the preparation of grant proposals. Requirements for the role: BSc/MSc/PhD in either Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering or applicable scientific subject. Prior experience of developing and supporting novel robotic applications, on platforms such as KUKA, ABB & Universal. Experience of relevant programming languages (e.g. Java, Python, C++ or C#), and database technologies (e.g. Oracle, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server or MongoDB). Experience in software integrations to hardware devices using API's, communication protocols (e.g. TCP-IP, USB, RS232), robotics middleware (ROS) or Internet-of-Things (IoT) protocols (e.g. MQTT, ZeroMQ). Understanding of forward/inverse kinematics and simultaneous localisation and/or mapping (SLAM) algorithms as applicable for end effectors, serial manipulators, path planning, motion planning and trajectory generation using tools such as SolidWorks/SolidEdge. Previous experience of developing applications using micro-services architecture. (Desirable) Experience of a concurrent (asynchronous) programming and the related frameworks and tools used. (Desirable) Competency in Engineering Mathematics (matrix algebra, numerical optimisations) and development of complex algorithms. (Desirable) Understanding and prior experience of common computer vision tools and techniques used in the field of robotics. (Desirable) Experience of developing applications involving supervised/unsupervised machine learning algorithms. (Desirable) Knowledge of chemical laboratory environments & techniques. (Desirable) How you will be rewarded: We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including bonus, excellent pension contributions and 25 days annual leave (varies for shift-based roles). At JM, an inclusive culture is integral to our values and ambitions for the future. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can bring their full self to work and thrive in their career. Welcoming everyone to JM, regardless of their unique characteristics, experiences or thoughts allows us to bring many different voices and experiences together to tackle the world's biggest challenges. Being truly inclusive means that all colleagues feel valued for their differences, views and contributions, and feel a sense of belonging at JM. Johnson Matthey is open for discussion on part time, job share and flexible working patterns. Closing date for applications: This job advertisement will be posted for a minimum of 2 weeks; early application is advised. For any queries or should you have any accessibility requirements, please contact GlobalRecruitmatthey.com who will work with you to implement suitable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All conversations are treated in the strictest of confidence and we would appreciate your feedback to ensure we can provide an accessible and enjoyable recruitment process. How to apply: If you have the necessary skills and experience to join our team, please apply online. For any queries or should you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application please let your recruiter know when they contact you. If you are already a Johnson Matthey Employee, please visit the internal careers site to apply: Find Jobs - Workday (myworkday.com) All applications are carefully considered and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Johnson Matthey for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Johnson Matthey respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice: Johnson Matthey Privacy Notice You will be contacted by the Johnson Matthey Talent Acquisition team once your details have been reviewed. Please allow four weeks from the closing date to allow for screening to take place. We appreciate the time and effort taken in completing an application. By applying for this role and creating an account you are agreeing to Johnson Matthey Privacy Notice Johnson Matthey Plc is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.