Detector Data Engineer ENG, GB, MKAA)

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About the Role

The Centre for Electronic Imaging (CEI) is a research centre based within the School of Physical Sciences at the Open University. The CEI is a collaboration between the Open University and Teledyne e2v, a world-leading manufacturer of scientific and industrial image sensors. The Centre is dedicated to conducting research into advanced imaging technologies for science applications and conducts its research in collaboration with many universities, agencies and companies including the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency (ESA), NASA and Teledyne e2v.

The CEI is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and talented Detector Data Engineer to work on the design and development of data readout and data handling methodologies for next-generation CMOS image sensors, including the CIS
300 detector family. CIS
300 detectors are capable of a very high data rate and data volume, and offer significant flexibility in how image data can be read out, for example through high dynamic range (HDR) readout, read-up-the-ramp sampling, and other non-destructive readout modes. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and developing the readout and output methodology for these detectors, interfacing detector operating modes with downstream on-board data processing systems, and ensuring that the resulting data products are well structured, efficient and scientifically usable.

The role will also involve supporting a number of ESA space missions, including New Athena and SMILE, generating pipelines to compare simulation data with detector data. These pipelines will be used to assess the instrument background and dose effects on detector performance. The post holder will work closely with detector scientists, electronics engineers and FPGA/software developers within the CEI to translate detector-level requirements into robust data acquisition, processing and archiving pipelines.

It is therefore important that the candidate has excellent collaborative skills and can work with both engineers and scientists in a flexible and agile manner. The role holder will also attend regular project meetings and conferences, deliver progress reports and interface with team members and external scientists and engineers from partner institutions, ESA and the UK Space Agency.

Experience with FPGA-based data acquisition systems, on-board data compression or processing, and/or Machine Learning approaches to data reduction would be advantageous to support current and future work within the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop the data readout and output methodology for CIS
  300 detectors, including HDR, read-up-the-ramp and other advanced readout modes.
• Interface detector operating modes with on-board data processing systems, defining data formats, rates and handling strategies.
• Develop and maintain software and/or firmware tools for detector data acquisition, processing, and analysis.
• Support the management, curation and processing of detector calibration data from space missions such as SMILE.
• Work closely with the CEI Project Teams to ensure the progress of work adheres to any programmatic timescales and report problems and non-compliances to the Project Team.
• Attend regular Project meetings, workshops and conferences. Report progress verbally and in written form.
• Support external collaborators (e.g. mission and instrument teams, ESA) as directed by the Project Lead.
• Promote knowledge and technology exchange with Teledyne e2v and other project collaborators and contribute to the wider research activities of the CEI, where required.

About You

Essential:

• BSc (2:1 or above) in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Space Engineering, Computer Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a closely related…