Smart Manufacturing Project Leader (KTP Associate)

At the University of Hull, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Hull workplace. This includes people from global minority backgrounds; people who have a declared disability; LGBTQI+ people; and women particularly for our Grade 9 and 10 roles.

We value our talented employees, and whenever possible strive to help colleagues to grow and progress in their future careers. We recognise that our people are our biggest asset. We hope you’ll be as excited as we are by what lies ahead. Let’s continue our journey. With great on-site facilities and numerous awards in recognition of our achievements within the Professional Services World, we want to continue growing and nurturing our existing staff as we endeavour to take on our next challenges as a University.

An exciting opportunity to work with one of the region’s leading adult training providers on an ambitious and innovative 24-month project developing new ideas, methodologies, and technologies. Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA) is a not-for-profit charity ‘Group Training Association’ which delivers Apprenticeships and both standard and bespoke upskill training courses. They provide accredited, industry recognised training from a beginner to an advanced level, with an exceptional track record for delivering solutions across a range of sectors.

HETA has a vision to enhance its digital learning and innovation capabilities; and demonstrate sectoral leadership in workforce development, facilitating competitive growth in the region's manufacturing sector. This KTP project will develop a digital learning platform offering learner-engineers practical experience with next-generation manufacturing and process rigs that simulate real-world manufacturing and industrial processes using emerging technologies.

This project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) - part of a national, Government-supported initiative, which provides graduates with fast-track career opportunities through work on challenging technical & IT projects. The KTP project will be fully championed with expertise from the University of Hull and HETA. You will be supported to continue your personal and professional development throughout the project, acquiring new transferable skills that will enhance your employability; a £4000 budget is available for this training. The project offers the potential to undertake a higher degree (although this is not a requirement of the post). For the right candidate there are excellent prospects for obtaining permanent employment with HETA at the end of the KTP project.

We are looking for a candidate who has an honours degree (preferably at the 2:1 level or above) in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Electronics, Mechatronics or similar. A Masters is welcome.

• Hands-on software development experience in Python or C#. Comfortable building data pipelines and working with APIs and messaging.
• Practical experience with at least two of the following: IoT and industrial data (OPC UA, Modbus, PLC or SCADA integration, Node-RED or similar);
• 3D and immersive tech (CAD to Unity workflow, Unity development for AR or VR, ideally on Meta Quest).
• Strong problem solving, an eye for detail and the ability to turn requirements into working systems.
• Clear communicator who can run workshops and translate technical ideas for trainers, learners and industry partners.
• Evidence of managing projects, risks and milestones using tools such as Gantt charts, risk registers and Git.

The Associate will be a target/data-driven, self-motivated, team player with good interpersonal skills, and proactive in solving problems. The demanding nature and range of work involved will require the candidate to be flexible, well-organised, and eager to learn new skills.

The main focus of the work will involve:

• Researching relevant Industry 4.0, AI and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality technologies to support the development of a digital platform for learning;
• Digitising HETA’s manufacturing rigs using Industry 4.0 technologies and data engineering;
• Building a predictive maintenance model using rig data;
• Development of AR/VR based visualisation of rig data;
• Collaborate with HETA staff with building new Industry 4.0 modules using this platform.

The role holder will also assist with analysing and interpreting results and drafting research reports and publications. The Associate will proactively lead on the following aspects of the project:

• Work closely with the Sales and Marketing Team to engage employers in the project deliverables, supporting relevant events and briefings.
• Support the professional development of HETA staff on Industry 4.0, Digital Twins and use of AI in Industry.
• Support sharing of knowledge for the industry 4.0, Digital Twin and use of AI in Industry with students as the project advances.
• Research and map the project activities to demonstrate real life solutions for employers, demonstrating costs to operational benefits to enhance buy in.
• Support the development of post project commercial deliverables via development of course materials or bespoke business support functions linked to the project, working with the sales and marketing team to scope out relevant commercial opportunities to test in the marketplace.
• Undertaking generic and bespoke training aspects of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme.

The candidate should be able to organise their own time effectively and independently to prescribed timescales and objectives. They should be able to express themselves both clearly and articulately in both verbal and written forms.

Note: You will be primarily based at the company partner’s premises in Hull and follow their working hours and annual leave allocation. Candidates are requested to upload a CV and covering letter. Please note that the closing date for this post is 00:01am on Friday 13 February 2026.

To discuss this role informally, please contact: Professor Dhaval Thakker (D.Thakker@hull.ac.uk) or Dr Baseer Ahmad (baseer.ahmad@hull.ac.uk).

If you would like to be part of our future or have any queries, then please get in touch today - Talent@Hull.ac.uk.