A continuation of the ECHORD project, ECHORD++ has the major addition of the Robotics Innovation Facility (RIF). RIFs are places where companies, researchers or other individuals can apply to spend time pursuing creative ideas in robotics, with help from the hosting RIF. My role was as the main supporting engineer for the RIF in the UK. Working in a complex Research and Development facility I support the users of RIF with the selection and setting up of actuators and instrumentation equipment, provide skills and experience in the field of mechatronics and robotics, use manual machine and tools and provide knowledge of software used for data acquisition and control such as LabVIEW/MATLAB. I also design, construct and fault-find mechatronic hardware from component level to electronic assemblies and equipment. I also liaise with RIF users and run workshops to introduce new users to various aspects of the RIF.

Fourth term at Oxford Instruments I moved into the NPI (New Product Introduction) office as a graduate design engineer, work in this role required me to be working alongside other design engineers to take prototype machines into the production market. My first project within this department was to take a prototype machine that featured common production machine modules and develop it into a machine suitable for manufacture. This meant that both mechanical and electrical assemblies needed analysis, modification and sometimes redesign. Electrical changes included the merging of two CPU units into one and creating cables schematics, redesign of power supply units and the modification of an electrical filter box. Mechanical changes needed to be made to suit these electrical alterations and also to support a new process head.

A part time job that was attained to support my studies financially, a bi-product of this was to further develop my communication and people management skills. From June 2011 I was promoted to senior bar staff, responsibilities included locking the premises, cashing up the tills and organising colleagues. My graphic design experience was used to produce promotional material, the result of this is the bar having a new logo. I had some responsibility updating the social network accounts on behalf of the bar and helped run events.

Second and third terms at Oxford Instruments was in the projects department where design validation of new systems happened. During each project I delivered build updates in design meetings, regularly liaised with the engineers involved and proposed engineering improvements. Role included configuring, commissioning and decommissioning of machines including installing one flagship system. Hazard management was key as high toxicity gases were dealt with on a day to day basis. I was responsible for maintaining systems in test labs. Work was completed on bespoke machines, test machines, new products and modifications. An appreciation of the processes and procedures of an engineering company was learnt here, as well as gaining practical experience that has been invaluable in my studies, especially my final project.

Worked in the design office of a world leading company that develops and produces machines that use ion and plasma beams to make semiconducting chips amongst other things. My task was to collate a list of components used in the manufacturing on these machines and find the relevant certificates and datasheets to each component.

Completed a new build bungalow and worked on a cottage renovation which involved major structural alterations. I learnt many practical skills including, bricklaying, roofing and ground works. During this time I also developed organisational skills and learnt to take responsibility for myself in the work place.