KTP Associate - Design and Development Engineer (Wireless Remote Control Materials Handling Vehicle) (032019-83)

Category: Technical | Faculty/Division: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment | School: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment | Department: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment | Location: Birmingham, West Midlands | Post Type: Full Time | Closing Date: 17 Apr 2019 | Wilmat Limited and The School of Engineering and Built Environment at Birmingham City University (BCU) are looking to appoint a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate. The Design and Development Engineer KTP Associate position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme co-funded by Innovate UK.  It is essential that you understand how KTP works with business and the University, and the vital role you will play should you be successful in securing this KTP Associate position.  For more information please go to:  http://bcuadvantage.co.uk/funding/knowledge-transfer-partnerships. This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate will be based at Wilmat Limited.  Wilmat is an established company specialising in manufacture of lifting and handling equipment (specialist forklift and other mobile equipment). Wilmat are profitable and have a strategic vision to modernise and increase its product offerings, allowing Wilmat to diversify into emerging specialist market sectors. The associate will work within the team at Wilmat Limited Birmingham office and be supported by academics from the School of Engineering and the Built Environment at BCU. The Associate will work on a project relating to:   The design, development and implementation of a wireless remote control system for a range of materials handling vehicles at Wilmat Ltd. This will enable the vehicle to operate safely in harsh and dangerous environment. The appointed associate will be responsible for the design and development of a mechatronic system that is integrated to the existing manually operated electromechanical system with a wireless remote control system based upon Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) electronics systems. Micro computer programming and basic electronics will be a key activities within the project.  Development of the system will require the associate to develop a Product Design Specification (PDS) based upon the commercial plans of the Wilmat Ltd whilst ensuring a safe and functional product is produced. The Associate will be required to engage with all aspects of the company, from marketing, sales through to manufacture and sales. As such the associate will need to develop a clear view of the future marketing plans and customer requirements to ensure that the system developed is fit for purpose and meets future customer needs. The safe operation of the remote vehicle is the top priority in this project and so the associate will also be expected to engage with external agencies to ensure that the vehicle meets all legislative requirements. The Associate will use current and emerging hardware systems and will be tasked to develop and pilot  The Associate will be expected to survey the market of COTS wireless, microcontroller systems to identify the most appropriate technology to use to de-risk the ensure that the lessons learnt during the project will form a legacy that will allow the company to continue to develop its market offerings after the end of the project. The Associate will be expected to be involved in all aspects of company operations from marketing and sales to design, safety and maintenance. This holistic approach to understanding the company and its customers will essential in defining the PDS for the remote control system. It is essential for this role that we find an associate with good technical & social skills who can function well in a tightly knit group. As part of their role, the associate will be expected to interact with some of the most senior people inside and outside of the company. The candidate must also be adept at applying their knowledge to commercial projects, driving value and making an impact where possible, with an ability to solve problems and create innovative solutions. Skills required: Core:  Hold a Masters Engineering Degree and have an interest in Mechatronics Exceptionally, a bachelor’s graduate will be considered, subject to suitable experience and maturity Need to have a willingness to deliver mechanical, electronics, software and systems thinking, along with a good appreciation of the needs of business. Self-motivation and an enquiring mind will be essential. They will need to have good interpersonalskills and communication skills both written and verbal. Company terms and conditions: 21 days holiday in any calendar year plus 8 UK national holidays Working hours Monday to Friday For details of how to apply please visit our website athttps://jobs.bcu.ac.uk/ and attach a CV and cover letter Birmingham City University has an index linked contributory pension scheme. Birmingham City University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  For further information please contact: Prof Mike Ward/Prof Ilias Oraifige Email: Michael.ward@bcu.ac.uk/Ilias.oraifige@bcu.ac.uk Please note; on occasions where we receive a large number of applications, we may close the advert ahead of the publicised closing date. If this does happen, we will contact all candidates via email who have started but not yet completed their application, giving 48 hours’ notice.   We would therefore advise that you submit your completed application as soon as possible.