Mechatronics & Systems Integration Engineer - KTP Associate

Birmingham City University is looking to appoint a high calibre graduate (graduated within the last five years) as a Mechatronics & Systems Integration Engineer (KTP Associate). This role presents an exciting opportunity to work in collaboration with leading academics at Birmingham City University, to apply knowledge and technical innovation, delivered on site at the company.

The Mechatronics & Systems Integration Engineer (KTP Associate) should have a minimum 2.1 University qualification in a relevant subject area and graduated within the last five years. This Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) is co-funded by a grant from Innovate UK and Neuteq Europe Limited. It is therefore essential you understand the fundamentals of the KTP collaboration between a UK business and a University works to deliver benefits for each (the company, the university, and the graduate).

The Mechatronics & Systems Integration Engineer (KTP Associate) will have access to a wider range of benefits including a personal development budget of £4,667 to upskill during the project. The successful candidate will be employed by Birmingham City University and seconded to work full-time onsite at Neuteq Europe Limited to deliver the 28-month KTP project in partnership with Birmingham City University and Neuteq Europe Limited.

Neuteq provide micro-finishing/engineering precision solutions to meet high quality standards for automotive parts. They have developed different innovative processes and have established themselves as specialists in designing and manufacturing tooling jigs, fixtures, and assembly benches for superfinishing to cater to Formula 1 and other major businesses in the automotive sector such as Rolls Royce and Bentley.

The successful candidate will have full access to Birmingham City University’s resources such as offices, labs, and library to complete the KTP project. The Mechatronics & Systems Integration Engineer (KTP Associate) will be supervised and mentored by both a lead academic and academic supervisor from Birmingham City University’s College of Engineering within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment (CEBE) as well as a company supervisor located at Neuteq Europe Limited.

Main Duties And Responsibilities:

• Developing a modular and interchangeable automated Class 1 laser marking and vision inspection system (NTQ system).
• Conducting comprehensive evaluations of Neuteq's current product range, manufacturing processes, and identifying technological and operational gaps.
• Designing and integrating advanced automation solutions including robotic arms, automated loading/unloading platforms, sensors (e.g., proximity, temperature), actuators (linear, rotary), PLC systems (ABB, Allen Bradley, Siemens), and real-time data analytics.
• Performing numerical and process simulations to verify structural, thermal, and aesthetic requirements.
• Prototyping and validating the developed NTQ system to ensure compliance with regulatory standards (UKCA/CE marking).
• Optimising manufacturing workflows and production layouts, addressing throughput bottlenecks and operational efficiency using simulation packages (e.g., Witness Horizon, Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, Simul8).
• Managing the commercialisation and market launch of the new NTQ system, including intellectual property management, development of user manuals, and marketing materials.

The Role Requires The Successful Candidate To Develop:

• A robust and flexible modular system architecture suitable for high-volume precision manufacturing, incorporating advanced mechanical design and automation features.
• Standalone software interface ensuring seamless hardware/software integration, aligned with Industry 4.0 principles.
• Numerical and process simulation models to identify optimal mesh sizes, structural integrity, thermal management, and efficient production flow.
• Detailed documentation required for regulatory compliance (UKCA/CE marking).
• Effective knowledge embedding strategies, including training for Neuteq personnel and development of standard operating procedures.
• Comprehensive commercialisation and product launch strategies.
• Develop and maintain project documentation and standard operating procedures.

The Mechatronics & Systems Integration Engineer (KTP Associate) will be expected to interact with senior management, suppliers, and company clients, as well as BCU academics. The candidate must also be adept at applying their knowledge to commercial projects, driving value, making an impact where possible, and having the ability to solve problems and create innovative solutions.

Skills And Experience:

• The Mechatronics & Systems Integration Engineer (KTP Associate) will hold a relevant degree. This might be a first degree (equivalent to a first class or 2:1 honours) in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Robotics and Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related discipline; a Master’s degree in a similar discipline is acceptable.
• Essential: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate qualification in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Robotics and Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Excellent communication skills to express ideas effectively, orally, graphically and in writing to articulate complicated matters between the academics and the company project team members.
• An ability to work to tight deadlines with diligence, attention to detail, and maintain high standards of work.
• An ability and aptitude to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team; and self-management and planning skills to make optimum use of time.
• Strong leadership skills in successfully implementing and embedding new innovations within a company or organisation.
• Experience or knowledge of automation systems integration including PLC systems (ABB, Allen Bradley, Siemens), robotic arms, sensor integration, and real-time analytics.
• Experience or knowledge of process simulation tools (e.g., Witness Horizon, Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, Simul8).
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DfMA) principles.
• Familiarity with mechanical design, CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks), numerical analysis (FEA), and meshing technique.

Desirable:

• MSc/PhD in a related subject or relevant experience.
• Practical experience with UKCA/CE regulatory compliance processes.
• Background in modular systems development and Industry 4.0 methodologies (real-time systems, interoperability, agile development).
• Prior experience with new product development methods (stage-gate process, agile development, concurrent engineering).
• Previous experience in manufacturing, specifically relating to high-quality precision solutions.
• Academic acumen to enable successful reporting through research publications in academic journals and marketing/training materials.
• A clean driving license and a willingness to travel to utility contracts throughout the UK.
• Practical experience of working in the manufacturing industry.

On a personal note, the Associate should be enthusiastic, motivated, punctual, conscientious, trustworthy, and work well within a team.

For further information please contact Professor Javaid Butt at javaid.butt@bcu.ac.uk or Dr Waheb Abdullah at waheb.abdullah@bcu.ac.uk.