Collins Aerospace (Electric Power Systems)
"We work at the leading edge of aerospace technology to drive the future of the More Electric aircraft." Collins Aerospace
Our Scholarships
Placement Location
Solihull
Type of Placements Offered
• Summer placements only
Restrictions/Notes
(1) Open only to British citizens (no dual nationals); (2) Candidates required to undergo security clearance
2024/25 Scholarships
Multiple new scholarships
Who we are and what we do
Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Today, we have systems and equipment on nearly every aircraft platform – from avionics to landing gear, nacelles to cabin seating, fuel systems to connectivity and much more.
Our Electronic Control and Motor Systems business unit (ECMS), situated in Solihull, is leading the way in the development of electric and hybrid electric aerospace propulsion technology.
At ECMS we design and develop high power electric motors, motor controllers, power conversion and energy storage systems. The group includes experienced design teams in the areas of electronics, power electronics, firmware and electro-mechanical design.
What you could be doing during your work placement
Placements will be based at the ECMS office in Solihull, West Midlands. During your placement you will join other Scholars, Graduates and apprentices in working on the development of electric propulsion technology.
Previous placement activities have included:
- Development of electronic circuits and circuit boards for control or monitoring.
- Development of Firmware control systems in VHDL
- Testing of high power, high voltage components such as inverters and insulation materials
- Battery system testing and working with battery suppliers
- Simulation and prototyping of motor control system
You will be working in our modern open-plan office space, opened in 2020. This space has been designed to encourage collaboration and learning between peers, and as such will give you access to a variety of engineering knowledge and experience. The site also features a well-equipped lab including a low and high voltage electronics lab, motor test cells and environmental (temperature, vibration, EMC) test facilities.
Meet two of our Scholars
Name: Samarth
Sponsor: Collins Aerospace (Electric Power Systems)
University: University of Southampton
Degree Course: MEng Aerospace Electronic Engineering
What appeals to me about Electronics
My personal interest lies in control systems and its applications, especially in aviation. Control is very important in any industry, however, it can be applied in many different ways. Further, I also enjoy PCB design and CAD in general. The ability to create and design with a high degree of freedom really appeals to me. These are very versatile topics / skills that are widely applicable and I look forward to applying them in projects in the aviation industry.
My experience working for Collins Aerospace
I chose Collins Aerospace for a couple of key reasons. Firstly, they are (as part of the RTX group) the world’s largest aviation company, meaning that the scale of the projects they work on stretches across the world, giving Scholars an opportunity to interact with members from their teams in America, Europe and Asia. Secondly, power electronics specifically requires large amounts of control and I felt that this would be the ideal opportunity for me to gain some practical applied experience with the topic.
My placement
I worked on a control system for a motor control unit using MATLAB SIMULINK. This exposed me to a deeper understanding of how motors work. From having no knowledge of MATLAB, I developed an entire control scheme. I worked with my mentor to take a systematic approach, understanding how control systems are developed in real life and building from a simple model with several simplifications, to a complex model that created a realistic framework. Applying the theory from lectures to build a control scheme was very useful and helped me feel a lot more confident with the actual process
My interests outside of work
I play badminton and I fence for the university team. I am also involved with the salsa dance society as the bachata captain, as well as taking horse riding lessons from the riding society. I am a member of the university air squadron and take part in various adventure training and flying exercises. Finally, I also attend events run by the Inda, Hindu, Vegetarian, and Electronics societies.
Name: Elaine
Sponsor: Collins Aerospace
University: University of Sheffield
Degree Course: BEng Electronics and Computer Engineering
Which area of Engineering are you interested in and why?
My main interests are in electronics and semiconductors because they are the key components in driving technology forward. I also enjoy the practical side of soldering circuits and testing them, in addition to learning the theory behind how electronic devices work. I found that electronic engineering has a perfect combination of these things.
Why did you want a scholarship with Collins Aerospace?
I initially applied to Collins Aerospace through the UKESF Driving the Electric Revolution Award, which is aimed at students with an interest in PEMD (power electronics, motors and drives). I was keen to learn more about how this area of electronics applies to the aerospace industry, especially in a large international company. I knew that I would be able to gain vital industrial experience in many different areas of electronics that would ultimately benefit my future career.
What type of work have you been involved with during your placement?
In my first placement year, I created a MATLAB script that models an LLC resonant converter, as well as doing research into SiC MOSFETs. I was fortunate to be taken on a trip to Ireland where I visited Microchip to learn more about the future advancement in power semiconductor devices. During my second placement year, I designed a PCB for an insulation monitoring device which I found to be more of a challenge as it was completely new to me, however, it ended up being a very enjoyable task to do!
What are your hobbies and interests?
In my spare time I enjoy reading fiction books, specifically fantasy and sci-fi novels. I also really like learning languages such as French and Chinese. Recently, I climbed Crib Goch (knife-edge) on Snowdon – it was a very daunting activity, but I still thought it was a great accomplishment!