KTP Associate - Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Role: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) Associate

Contract Type: Fixed term, externally funded

Reports to: Specialist Advisor (KTP)

KTP Associate Role Summary:

The Associate will normally be based at the company and will be responsible for managing the KTP Project and delivering against the agreed objectives. Whilst maximising the benefits of the Partnership to the business/organisation, academics and University, the Associate will enhance their own personal and professional development.

Key Objectives of this project:

• Familiarisation with the project and company to gain a thorough understanding of Oakmount, their client base, developments, design, manufacture and testing capabilities etc.
• With the academic team develop an understanding of manufacturing systems and production systems modelling with techniques such as IDEF0.
• To formulate the analysis methodology at the test site and spend time at the factory to gather information to comprehensively map their manufacturing system.
• Develop the decomposition model for the chosen process and suggest enhancements.
• Identify and implement prototype solutions.
• Undertake a comprehensive review of the new automated process and assess its efficiency, accuracy, quality and integration.
• Train a small team to use and apply the assessment methodology again to develop the next optimised new solution.
• Project training and all documentation completed and results disseminated.

Key Accountabilities:

• To undertake the work-plan as defined in the KTP proposal and as agreed by the Local Management Committee.
• In collaboration with the project team, ensure that knowledge transfer is delivered between the business/ organisation and Plymouth University.
• To maintain and present project management documentation (including a Gantt chart) in order to manage the KTP Project effectively.
• To maintain on-going effective communication channels with academic and company supervisors.
• To organise and lead monthly Project Team meetings.
• To actively contribute to the 4-monthly Local Management Committee meetings. To provide a written executive summary to the members and formally present a project update with proposals for future plans during the meetings.
• To identify additional resources and to highlight risks, seeking guidance and assistance as required meeting project needs and objectives.
• To collaborate in the development of academic papers, case studies and PR opportunities as agreed with the project team.
• To be responsible for planning own personal and professional development including maintenance of a Personal Development Plan.
• To participate in development and promotional events such as presenting and exhibiting at a KTP Regional Seminar or Faculty research seminar.
• To maintain an on-going benefits register for the Partnership and to compile a detailed final report at the end of the KTP Project for external evaluation.
• At all times to act as an ambassador for Plymouth University and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. To identify further collaboration opportunities between the business/ organisation and Plymouth University.
• All staff are responsible for ensuring compliance with University and Faculty/Departmental Health & Safety requirements and regulations.
• All staff are required to ensure that they apply the University's Equal Opportunities Policy in their general conduct.

• All staff are responsible for carrying out appropriate communication and information sharing.

  Special requirements:

• Requirement to travel to support the needs of the KTP Project and own personal development.
• A requirement to comply with the standards that apply at the business/ organisation including medical checks.
• Required to attend residential training modules.

Person Specification

Knowledge, Education & Training:

Essential:

• Good interpersonal and well developed negotiation skills: ability to communicate complex concepts requiring a GCSE in English or equivalent (e.g. International English Qualification IELTS score 6.5 or TOEIC score 600)
• A good degree in a relevant Engineering related subject such as Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Knowledge and practical experience of developing automated solutions and engineering problem solving.
• An understanding of the techniques and tools to analyse, model and simulate manufacturing and production systems.
• Ability to lead a project from the scientific perspective.

  Desirable:

• Post graduate qualification such as an MSc in Robotics, Manufacturing Systems or a relevant complementary higher degree.
• Experience of working with MRP systems.
• Experience working in a manufacturing industry and awareness of Factory of the Future and Industry 4.0.
• Development of training materials and delivery of training would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes:

• Methodical and tenacious
• Proven ability to lead a project from a technical perspective
• Thorough, analytical with good attention to detail and good communication skills to talk to customers and share information
• Ability to work within quality and regulatory systems
• A good team player.