Development Engineer (KTP Associate)

Job Title:Development Engineer (KTP Associate) Ulster University and Leonard School:School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems Business Location:Leonard, 11 Tullyveagh Road, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, BT80 8RY Salary:£27,000 - £34,000 per annum Closing Date:Monday 21st September 2026 at 23:00 Reference Number:043646 (Full-time / Fixed-term for 26 Months) THE BUSINESS Leonard is a UK and Ireland-based company established for over 30 years that specialises in, but is not limited to, the refractory industry. Innovating the market with tailor-made solutions per client and improving the industry with safety-driven installations. Operating within: - Cement & Lime Industry - Power Plants - Biomass - Waste to Energy - Aluminium - Civil Industries THE ROLE Leonard, in partnership with Ulster University, has established a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Project and is offering an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and highly motivated Engineering or Computer Science graduate to work as a KTP Associate to oversee the development of a new autonomous system. KTP PROJECT DESCRIPTION The KTP Associate will undertake the task of developing a demolition robotic system with both teleoperation and autonomous control based on 3D scanning and data-centric technologies. The role involves utilising skills in mechanical design, prototyping, and electrical/electronic hardware integration. It also involves working with stakeholders (academics and industry) and managing the project to create a robust system to support the growth of Leonard. The Associate will need to advocate for the project's importance and convince stakeholders of its value, thus highlighting the potential benefits it brings to the business, targeted development partners and clients. BENEFITS This KTP project provides a unique opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to a real industry challenge whilst benefitting from industrial and academic supervision and mentoring from Ulster Universitys experts Dr Justin Quinn, Dr Dermot Kerr and Prof Sonya Coleman who will enhance your technical expertise in robotics, autonomous control, and data science. As a KTP Associate, you will also acquire new skills in strategic leadership that can help to supercharge your career. Additional benefits include: - Generous £13k Training, Development, equipment & Travel Budget dedicated to project delivery, which includes but is not limited to training and courses to enhance research skills as well as for critical networking with key players in the field, specific project equipment, etc. - FREE formal management training and development. - FREE University postgraduate part-time study opportunities at Ulster University (where appropriate). - 10% Associate development time built into work plan. - Opportunity to work with academics to develop scientific articles to be published in peer-reviewed, world-class academic journals. - Competitive salary. - Enhanced skills and experience that are marketable and highly transferable. - KTPs accelerate careers. ABOUT YOU Applicants should hold an honours degree in Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering or a closely related discipline at 2:1 or above. The Associate should have good skills and experience in three or more of the following areas: - Product development and use of design software development tools/technologies - Application systems development and programming - Data processing and analysis - Managing and delivering projects in a professional environment - Knowledge and experience of using research methods (and understanding of qualitative and quantitative research) and/or being involved in research Further information can be found in the Candidate Briefing Document. The appointment will be for a period of 26 Months and although the post is administratively linked to the University, the Associate will be based at the Companys premises in Cookstown. Successful completion of the KTP may lead to a new position within the company partner at the end of the project period. Both Leonard and Ulster University are Equal Opportunities employers. The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit. TPBN1_NI