QTC sensor development contributes to BrightSparks award win

The programme aims to inspire and encourage new entrants into electronics careers which is particularly important in the context of the industry’s well-publicised skills gap and the efforts of the UK government and other organisations to encourage greater take-up in schools and universities of STEM and engineering-related subjects.

The judges were looking for young engineers either studying or in the early stages of their career who are likely to shape UK electronics in the coming years. Tim was among only 29 engineers selected by the judges this year.

Tim gained a PhD in Atomic and Molecular Physics in 2014 from the University of Durham, and worked for IT consultancy firm Waterstons before joining Peratech. His primary responsibility is to investigate, understand, and predict the behaviour of Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC) sensors. This led to his heading up a project to transform how Peratech qualifies its sensors and the development of a global quality data network to capture and analyse test data from factories in the UK and Asia where Peratech sensors are made.

Tim commented: “I’m delighted to have been selected from such a competitive field by the BrightSparks judges as an award winner. Peratech may be a small company but we hope to have a big impact on products and applications across the consumer, industrial, automotive, and healthcare markets. We have a very talented team of collaborative and supportive engineers working here, making it a great place to develop skills while working on a ground breaking technology.”

Lindsley Ruth (pictured right), CEO of RS Components and BrightSparks judging panel member said: “Promoting engineering as a career to young people is something that is very close to my heart. We currently face a shortage of skilled engineers entering the industry and that worries me. There is a huge opportunity for youngsters who consider engineering as a career path; an opportunity that enables them to contribute to the economy and to make people’s lives better, more efficient and more entertaining.”