James Croxford Email & Phone Number

As a senior lecturer I am responsible for leading and developing a number of undergraduate and postgraduate modules to degree and degree apprentice students and have taken a leading role in the development of new curriculums for all Engineering courses. I have developed taught sessions, practical and project based work, and authentic assessments across automotive focused modules, and professional development and core skills modules delivered to all Engineering courses. Notably, I have developed and run a series of modules at all levels, connecting students to industrial projects with partner companies to ensure authentic learning and assessment. Taking on an additional course tutor role from September 2023, I am also responsible for pastoral support for all second year students within Engineering, working closely with various professional services across the University.

Upon joining Harper Adams, I was responsible for a range of teaching across automotive engineering modules and professional development modules accessed by all courses. I developed taught sessions, practical and applied tutorials, and was responsible for assessment and feedback for students.

In a dual role supporting SAIC Motor operations in Europe, I led the transition to WLTP emissions regulations, implementing and managing delivery of 3 vehicle programmes to new legislation. I planned and successfully carried homologation emissions testing, resulting in European Type Approval of multi-powertrain variants of all new MG ZS and 2018 MY MG3 models to EU6D legislative requirements, including RDE4. I was also responsible for MG EU Fleet and portfolio management with a focus on tailpipe emissions regulations.As a Vehicle Performance Manager, I was also responsible for vehicle integration and all vehicle targets across the multi-powertrain variant of the MG ZS and MG3 models, regularly reporting on the cross-functional status of the vehicle target book.

Following Bentley acquiring manufacturing responsibility for all W12 engines within Volkswagen AG, I am responsible for implementing and then managing a company wide, cross-functional process to ensure delivery of all pre-series W12 engines to VW group companies.The scope of my role includes receiving engine orders, build and test planning, parts coordination and delivery of the proven engines to Bentley, VW and Audi.

As an engineer for the Powertrian Test department, my main focus has been to expand the road load data collection capability to include requirements from the wider Powertrain department, in addition to the Chassis department's for which I have retained responsibility. I have managed and delivered a range of projects where data from instrumented exhaust systems, intake systems, engines, transmissions and drive lines have been synchronously gathered with instrumented suspension components on a single vehicle. I have also been successful in securing almost €500,000 of capital investment to further expand and improve data collection capabilities.

Based in a data analysis and testing role within powertrain engineering, however I have also worked in chassis durability analysis and testing. Experience in finite element analysis, using Hyperworks, Nastran and CATIA and have applied this knowledge by specifying test rigs and testing procedures for prototype components and whole vehicles. Responsible for signal processing and data analysis using VB Scripting and DIAdem, to enable vehicle data to be converted in to test rig signals and analysis load cases.Responsible for road load data gathered from prototype vehicles, which is then used for analysis and rig test signal generation.

Crewe, United Kingdom

I undertook a 14-month industrial placement in the Design Analysis and Test department of Bentley Motors Ltd. During the placement, I redefined the process by which road load data was collected and the accuracy with which it was collected for abuse events. I designed a robust wheel force transducer and then project managed its manufacture and verification; this involved working closely with suppliers both internal and external. I also gained considerable experience in finite element analysis, using Hyperworks, Nastran and CATIA and applied this knowledge by specifying test rigs and testing procedures for prototype components and whole vehicles.

Telford, United Kingdom

As a School Staff Instructor I was responsible for the administration behind running a cadet force including accounts, stores and activity organisation. As a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holder, I also assisted in running the scheme, helping run expeditions and coordinate younger pupils. I was involved in setting up a web-based system for this used by both staff and pupils.

I was invited to help run the Engineering Education Scheme at Adams’ Grammar School. Over two years, I jointly managed four teams as they completed 12-month projects provided by GKN Telford. These projects involved use of rapid prototype technology and creating an interactive multimedia tour of GKN. I also managed a team that used lean techniques to implement a restructure of the Discovery chassis production line.

Pgc, Teaching And Supporting Learning In Higher Education

Master Of Science (Msc), Engineering With Management, Distinction

Off Road Vehicle Design, Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician, 1St

Education record

A Levels 5 x A - Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, General Studies GCSEs 10 x A*, 1 x A