Ashley Radford

A44 Engineering (Controls & Embedded Systems)

• • IQAN MC43/MD5 logic & system architecture

• • HV traction, regen, torque control

• • CAN/J1939 frameworks & diagnostics

• • BMS SoC estimation, thermal & protection logic

• • HMI development (Qt, MD4/MD5)

• • Troubleshooting, debugging & project turnaround

• • Off-highway, rail, agricultural & EV/hybrid platforms

At Clayton I was responsible for the full control architecture of hybrid locomotives, covering IQAN MC43/MD4 development, traction logic, HV bus management and diagnostic strategy. I rebuilt legacy software into a structured, modular system with clear state machines, safety interlocks and CAN/J1939 frameworks.

I also introduced modern development processes: version control, DBC structuring, documentation standards, and automated workflows. I frequently delivered deep investigation work—EMC issues, inverter communication faults, HV interlock failures—and resolved them end-to-end.

My role quickly expanded into project rescue, supporting customer sites, analysing log data, and delivering stable releases under urgent timelines.

I developed the full Vehicle Control Unit behaviour for a new hybrid tractor platform. This covered traction modes, regenerative braking, PTO logic, steering-by-wire, gearbox/clutch control, and full BMS strategy (SoC, thermal, protection).

I designed and implemented a multi-ECU CAN architecture, integrating with traction inverters, the diesel engine controller, and HV battery systems. I produced all safety interlocks and start-up/shutdown sequences with state machines built for reliability and diagnostic transparency.

I also worked directly with the client’s mechanical and electrical teams, turning vague ideas into robust functional behaviour and resolving integration challenges across hardware, hydraulics and software.