Aftertreatment Integration Development Review

Long term goals of the job are to test/optimise new diesel aftertreatment technologies to be used with new diesel engines to ensure they meet new emissions regulations (current project is for euro VII emissions regulations). Another job is to support current product aftertreatment systems (euro VI) by investigating faults that can either be software calibration issues or real physical faults, and provide thorough analysis of the problem and present a solution, and continue to monitor if the same issue arises to ensure the fix has been appropriate. To test this solution before implementation simulations can be done to test if the fix is appropriate. Daily jobs will mostly be for euro VII projects with lots of test cell related work, this will require communication among your team and with other teams to plan what testing needs to be completed to meet the developmental objectives, then scheduling of these tests with the test engineer, troubleshooting a wide range of issues that can arise with the prototype systems, checking quality of the data and analyzing if the results are as expected or not. For euro VI projects you just have to monitor the data from field test vehicles that have data loggers on them, and only have to take action when a fault flags or when performance is not as expected. Software's used: Matlab, Simulink, Concerto, Simscape.

I have developed my matlab coding, simulink for simulations as well as how to navigate and understand the complex software system that controls the diagnostics and controls of the aftertreatment system. Data presentation/analysis on concerto, and presenting this data in powerpoints in meetings with senior engineers in highly technical meetings as well as presenting to layman's. I have developed my problem solving skills across a wide variety of problems from software, electrical, mechanical, chemical and resource management.

Everyone in the team always has lots to do so I am given lots of responsibility and have been entrusted to run entire bouts of testing myself, which are critical tests that need to be completed before any further development can take place. Over my placement I have also developed a much deeper understanding of how everything works together so am increasingly capable of solving issues individually, which allows me to be trusted to conduct tests myself and investigate/fix issues myself. Of course I still have plenty of support to investigate more complex issues which then further develop my understanding.

I had a very supportive manager who gave the correct amount of support and freedom to allow me to build up my own knowledge by working with her, as well as giving me the time to work through problems individually and asking my key questions to help me consider other factors and other solutions to the problem. This helped me develop a broad and deep understanding of the system. I have also received lots of training from my own team as well as from other teams that I work closely with, such as combustion performance & emissions and catalyst performance integration teams.

It is a very good environment to work in as everyone is extremely friendly and the office has a very good vibe/atmosphere as people are having conversations with each other and it isn't like being in a silent library. There are also lots of other placement students who work at the Cummins darlington site (where this job is based) so it is just like going to work with friends who are also the same age as you. Even among the non-placement employees there is a very youthful vibe and are extremely warm and welcoming.

I have made some very good friends at my placement and had a good work/life balance where I am given a good amount of responsibility so I do feel like the work I do has an real impact as well as I am pushed to improve my skills and knowledge across all fields. I have had the chance to complete a variety of tasks and get lots of experience and satisfaction from the job.

Yes

Research into what diesel aftertreatments are and understand the processes that take place within the system. Have a basic understanding of how to use matlab. Good data analysis skills, and clear concise communication. Take your time with your answers and show yourself as a good team player as that is very important to being successful in this role. Be open minded to doing a variety of tasks and openness to learn about all aspects of the system.