Detector Data Engineer

Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid

Department: School of Physical Sciences

Closing Date: 16 September 2026

Weekly Working Hours: 37

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 30 September 2028

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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 CIS300 detector family. CIS300 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 NewAthena 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 CIS300 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

• BSc (2:1 or above) in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Space Engineering, Computer Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a closely related discipline or relevant equivalent experience.
• Good understanding of, and demonstrable experience in, detector data readout, data acquisition or data handling systems, ideally for imaging sensors or similar scientific instrumentation.
• Experience designing or working with data readout architectures such as HDR imaging, read-up-the-ramp, or non-destructive readout techniques.
• Experience debugging detector or instrumentation issues using laboratory measurements, oscilloscopes, logic analysers, protocol analysers, telemetry or engineering data.
• Experience with FPGA development (VHDL/Verilog or HLS) or close interfacing with FPGA-based systems.
• Demonstrable professional experience developing scientific or engineering software in Python and/or C/C++, including data processing of large datasets generated by scientific instrumentation.
• Experience using Git (or other version control systems) within collaborative software development projects involving peer review and controlled release processes.
• Ability to write software from first principles without reliance on generative AI tools, demonstrated through previous employment, academic work or technical assessment.
• Good problem-solving and analytical skills, with a demonstrated logical and rigorous approach to work.
• A strong commitment to excellence in inclusive learning and teaching for a diverse student population.
• A PhD in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Space Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline, involving the development, characterisation or operation of scientific instrumentation.
• Experience with CMOS and/or CCD imaging sensors, and their associated readout electronics.
• Experience managing, processing or curating scientific calibration data, ideally from space missions such as SMILE.
• Knowledge of on-board data processing, compression or data reduction techniques for high data-rate instruments.
• Knowledge of, or some experience in, Astronomy/Space Science or applications of high performance imaging sensors.
• Electronics experience in fields related to CCD and CMOS imagers, including analogue and digital practice, plus data acquisition.
• Experience contributing to software or firmware releases through formal peer review, issue tracking and configuration control processes.
• Ability to learn quickly and undertake bespoke research as required.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email [email protected] quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Working location

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that the role holder will be required to work from our Milton Keynes campus at least 3 days per week, to support with laboratory-based work.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place between 1st and 6th October.

Early closing date notification

While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented.

If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.