KTP
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a unique UK-wide activity that help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of the knowledge, technology and skills within universities, colleges and research organisations. Further information is available at:
THE PROJECT
The University of Essex in partnership with Howard Bros Joinery offers an exciting opportunity to a graduate with the relevant skills and knowledge to modernise the software capabilities for a traditional joinery firm by developing a 'single source' digital platform that increases throughput, reduces errors, eliminates manual processes and establishes scalable data, training and validation frameworks, enabling greater efficiency, reliability and future digital service opportunities.
DUTIES OF THE POST
The duties of the post will include:
- Validating that the business is using the most industry efficient software platforms for the operations processes and obtain KTP verification that our starting point is optimal.
- Redesigning and streamlining workflows across a landscape of disparate platforms, while addressing long-standing issues such as manual data transfer, inconsistent validation and user-driven variability. The opportunity to integrate AI within the workflows should be reviewed.
- Delivering robust interoperability, automated reporting and database restructuring using advanced digital engineering knowledge and research-informed problem-
- Balancing rapid development activity with ongoing business demands, while working within tight capacity and limited opportunities to pause production for testing.
- Managing parallel workstreams (database redesign, automation tooling, interoperability utilities and training development) within a live manufacturing environment.
- Working collaboratively with established teams and stakeholders, using high-quality technical communication to support adoption of new digital processes and working practices.
- Reducing reliance on tacit knowledge, and embedding new digital behaviours across design, production and site teams.
- Supporting project management activities, including technical planning, risk identification, progress monitoring, structured rollout planning and reporting.
- Preparing technical documentation, user guidance and training materials to support long-term knowledge transfer and sustainable adoption of the developed solutions within the business.
- Support the delivery of the technical documentation, user guidance and training materials to the wider team ensuring standard operating procedures are aligned between the platforms.
- Lead the expansion, standardisation and optimisation of Howard Brothers' iMOS digital manufacturing environment, including product/part libraries, materials, metadata, reusable templates and rule-based configuration logic.
- Design and develop automated verification and validation tools to check drawings, part data, machining information, Bills of Materials, CNC outputs and other manufacturing data before release to production.
- Map, redesign and digitally orchestrate end-to-end workflows across design, estimating and manufacturing, introducing revision control, traceability, monitoring and operational dashboards.
- Develop and evaluate shop-floor digitalisation solutions, including controlled access to current drawings, cutting information and production documentation. The ambition is to create a digital environment across the business, ensuring all necessary information is digitally accessible, ideally enhanced by mobile delivery solutions ensuring the "golden thread" of client satisfaction is optimised.
- Design and prototype interoperability mechanisms between iMOS, ERP and legacy production workflows, reducing duplicated data entry, manual transfer and avoidable errors.
- Develop software, scripts, data structures and integration mechanisms, and systematically test and refine solutions using representative and live manufacturing projects.
- Work closely with designers, engineers, production teams and management to gather requirements, evaluate solutions and translate operational needs into robust technical systems.
- Lead pilot deployments, evaluate performance against agreed KPIs and use staff feedback to iteratively improve the solutions.
These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake. They may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications/Training
- Degree in Digital Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing Systems, Software Engineering, Automation, or a closely related field
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field, or industry specific experience
- Relevant professional or industrial experience in digital manufacturing, industrial software or systems integration
Experience/Knowledge
- Working with multi-platform digital environments like systems integration and data exchange between software platforms
- Automation development and data structure redesign
- Understanding of software/system testing, verification and validation
- Experience with CAD/CAM (e.g. iMOS), digital manufacturing or manufacturing information systems
- Knowledge of ERP systems, APIs, data mapping or interoperability technologies
- Experience working with manufacturing/production workflows or CNC-enabled environments
- Experience of process mapping, workflow redesign, traceability or digital-thread concepts
- Experience developing dashboards, workflow automation or digital information-access solutions
- Manufacturing engineering, systems integration and iterative improvement in live production environments
- Coordinating pilots and embedding new processes
- Database design, data modelling and integration.
- Experience of delivering software solutions in production environments
- Requirements gathering and translating business needs into technical solutions
- Familiarity with AI-assisted software development tools for code generation, debugging, refactoring and documentation
- Understanding of agentic AI concepts and integration of AI agents with APIs, databases or business workflows
- Experience of integrating large language model or AI services into enterprise or manufacturing applications
BENEFITS
As a KTP Associate, the post will offer the following benefits:
- A personal development budget of £5000 (exclusive of salary).
- Management training and mentoring by an Innovate UK KTP Adviser.
- An interesting and challenging role, with exposure to a variety of stakeholders.
- Full access to university resources to complete the project.
- World-leading Academic and Company project supervision, with project support by a dedicated, sector leading KTP Office.
Location
Howard Bros Joinery
Station Approach
Battle
East Sussex
TN33 0DE
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Smart Manufacturing Software Engineer (Ktp Associate), Csee in Colchester employer: University of Essex
The University of Essex offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where innovation meets social impact. As a Senior Research Associate in Housing Risk Analytics, you will not only contribute to meaningful research that addresses housing insecurity but also benefit from professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that values diversity and ethical practices. Located in Colchester, you will enjoy a vibrant community with access to various resources and support systems aimed at fostering your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Smart Manufacturing Software Engineer (Ktp Associate), Csee in Colchester
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like University of Essex, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to University of Essex specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Essex
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with University of Essex, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like University of Essex value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
