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Craig Hickman

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    • About Me

      Engineer for radioactive robots, scuba-diver, and lover of science, animals, and nature.

    • My pronouns are

      he/him

    • My Work

      I work in the Cybernetics department of RACE (UK Atomic Energy Authority) as a Control Systems and Software Engineer

    • Read more

      I work in the Cybernetics department of RACE (UK Atomic Energy Authority) as a Control Systems and Software Engineer for remote handling (i.e robots used to fix things) for fusion reactors and other scientific experiments.

      UKAEA have a machine that generates fusion energy by containing the nuclear reaction that happens in the sun inside a magnetic field. This energy could be used to generate heat that turns turbines and generates electricity with zero carbon emissions and minimal nuclear waste. The rate that waste that is created (mostly tritiated materials) is sustainable, and it can often be recycled. Remote handling is one of the key technologies needed to achieve the goal of putting economical sustainable fusion energy on the grid. I work towards developing these remote-handling systems, as well as working on remote handling systems for other scientific experiments.

    • My Typical Day: I wake up and have breakfast (Weetabix and a coffee), and then move to my desk at my work-from-home set up. The day starts with a "daily stand-up" meeting with my team during which we have some general chit-chat and discuss what we plan to work on today. From then, my day typically involves discussions around the concept or detailed design of the robotic systems which I am working on, or time spent developing software for these robots. The main languages I am using are Python, C++, Javascript, and QML.

    • What I'd do with the money

      Buy Lego! Specifically Lego Mindstorm, which are bricks for the development of programmable robots. Lego was a key influence in my decision to become an engineer as a kid, so I would organize an outreach event to teach the public about robotics software using Lego.

    Curriculum Vitae

    • Education:

      Southlands High School, Runshaw College, Lancaster University

    • Qualifications:

      11 GCSEs, Maths, Physics, and ICT A Levels, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Masters Degree

    • Work History:

      Waiter at a hotel, laborer on a construction site, rollercoaster photography enginner, robotics software engineer.

    • Current Job:

      Robotics software engineer

    • Employer:

      RACE (UK Atomic Energy Authority)


    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        I love robots!

        What's the best thing you've done in your career?

        Work with a team to repurpose and upgrade a 38 tonne multi-axis "snake-like" robotic boom system

        What or who inspired you to follow your career?

        My high school science teacher, Lego, Youtubers, and science fiction

        What was your favourite subject at school?

        Physics

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Engineer

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Yes, for late homework

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        Chef

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        The Skints

        What's your favourite food?

        Fish and Chips

        What is the most fun thing you've done?

        Travel South East Asia

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        To stop time, be able to eat whatever I want without consequence, and to wish for more wishes

        Tell us a joke.

        What's a robot's favorite exercise? Circuit training

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