KTP Associate
Role Description
Grade & Salary:
Circa £22,000 – £24,775 per annum
Campus Location: Merchiston Campus, Edinburgh Napier University and Quality Precision
Technology, Glenrothes
Line Manager:
Professor and company contact
Line Management N/A
Responsibility for:
KTP Associate at Quality Precision Technology (QPT) Ltd
Role Summary:
The KTP Associate will be employed by the University on a 24 month fixed
term contract, and will be based full time at QPT Ltd. Although both the
academic and industrial supervisors supervise the project on which the
Associate is working, the Associate will need to have the capacity to
operate and manage the project on a day-to-day basis.
The post will involve participation in the development of new water
purification products, energy and waste minimisation systems. The
Associate will take a lead role in designing, developing, testing and
deploying new products and systems. The project will also develop new
manufacturing processes related to introduction of these new product
ranges.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
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Delivery against KTP work plan objectives and specified outcomes.
Project management and planning including finance.
Carry out research including review of QPT business and markets, design, modelling,
analysis of product and process efficiencies, and contribute to the dissemination of the
research outputs where required.
Development of the User Requirement and System Specification for a new water purification
system
Reports to Local Management Committee (LMC) as required.
Personal CPD management including attendance at KTP modules as required.
Reports and presentations as required by KTP and the host organisation including final
report.
Regular communication with supervisors and KTP Advisor including organisation and
recording of meetings.
Be responsible for ensuring that the information and records processed (received, created,
used, stored, destroyed) on behalf of the University are managed in compliance with ALL
applicable legislation, codes and policies e.g. Data Protection, Information Security and
Records Management’
Person Specification
Attributes
Essential Requirements
Desirable
Requirements
Education/Qualification
Undergraduate
Honours
degree in relevant subject
area of Engineering (Product
Design,
Mechanical
Engineering, Mechatronics or
Manufacturing Engineering).
Experience of working in
product
design
and
development,
including
progression
of
product
prototypes
through
manufacturing.
Post Graduate Degree
in relevant subject area
of Product Design,
Engineering
or
Systems Engineering.
Experience (Type/Duration)
Experience of working
in
a
research
environment.
Experience of multidisciplinary working.
Experience
in production Experience in Systems
readiness and manufacturing Engineering including
to cost of new products
control systems
Working knowledge of CAD Some experience
systems
commercially
competitive
manufacturing
of
Experience in planning
and managing projects
Skills/Personal Requirements
Excellent ability to work on
own
initiative
and
in
partnership with others to
achieve
challenging
commercial goals.
Excellent problem solving
skills, with the ability to reach
positively to change
Excellent
organisation,
prioritisation
and
time
management skills, including
the ability to work to set
deadlines.
Ability
to
present
complex
information
effectively to a range of
audiences.
Ability to write complex
reports and papers
accurately and clearly.
UK/ EU Driving licence
On
occasions
the
Associate
will
be
required
to
travel
between
company,
product trial sites and
Excellent interpersonal skills,
with the ability to integrate
with QPT Ltd. staff at all
levels.
Excellent
communication
skills (written, verbal and
presentation) with the ability
to
present
complex
information effectively to a
range of audiences.
Ability to write complex
reports and papers accurately
and clearly.
Excellent IT skills.
Demonstrable research skills
and ability to collect, analyse
and write up data.
the university. The
Associate may also be
required to attend KTP
events,
training
sessions and meetings.
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER PARTNERSHIPS
Quality Precision Technology Ltd
And
Edinburgh Napier University
Project Introduction and Details
FURTHER PARTICULARS
Vacancy Ref No:
Salary:
Duration:
Location:
049/AS
circa £22,000 -£24,775 per annum
24 Months
Quality Precision Technology Ltd, Glenrothes
Introduction to Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Mission
“To strengthen the competitiveness and wealth creation of the UK by the stimulation of
innovation in industry through collaborative partnerships between the science,
engineering and technology base and industry”
Objectives of every Knowledge Transfer Partnership
• to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and the spread of technical and business skills
through an innovation project .
• to provide company-based training for the most able graduates in order to enhance
their business and specialist skills.
• to stimulate and enhance business relevant research and training undertaken by the
knowledge base (universities & public funded research organisations).
Background
‘Knowledge Transfer Partnerships’ are an extension of the highly regarded and long
established TCS scheme, which is funded by the Technology Strategy Board with 17
other funding organisations. A ‘Knowledge Transfer Partnership’ enables companies of
any size to access additional scientific, engineering or management knowledge and
expertise from universities and research organisations and to import new techniques and
technologies into their businesses to:
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Improve existing products
Develop new products
Streamline a manufacturing process;
Improve logistics processes; or
Strengthen strategic marketing capabilities
Around 900 companies - of all sizes and in a very wide range of sectors - are currently
participating in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. It supports the training of about 1000
graduates working on these projects and involves almost every UK University.
Quality Precision Technology Ltd
Quality Precision Technology Limited (QPT) delivers small batch, value added
manufacturing to clients in a number of industry sectors. The Company’s ability to design
and develop complex new products and systems offers a unique service to its client base
and provides opportunity to grow business potential for a number of large corporate
clients.
The Company’s current focus on energy and the environment includes novel technology
developments in water and power generation. These new products require significant
change and evolution of the manufacturing facilities and processes. This project is a
critical element of that strategic growth plan.
Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University is a dynamic, innovative and forward-looking institution
located in Edinburgh – a vibrant city which is a major international centre for finance and
the arts, and the seat of the Scottish parliament. Edinburgh Napier University also has a
growing international reputation as a provider of high quality education.
The School of Engineering and the Built Environment
The School of Engineering and the Built Environment offers a range of engaging,
challenging and highly relevant undergraduate and postgraduate courses that primarily
equip graduates to pursue rewarding careers within their chosen discipline.
These programmes are highly valued by employers and can consequently endow
graduates with excellent career prospects. The courses also provide a strong academic
foundation for those who wish to progress to further study or research work.
Employment Details
The successful candidate (KTP Associate) will be employed by the University on a 24
month contract, and will be based full time at Quality Precision Technology Ltd. Although
both the academic and industrial supervisors will supervise the project on which the
Associate is working, the Associate will need to have the capacity to operate and manage
the project on a day-to-day basis. Therefore strong personal skills, self-motivation, and
the ability to plan and organise time are required. The position will involve some travel,
between the Company, the Company client sites and the University.
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership
Strategic development of technology and organisation to support the company’s growth
in design, manufacture and delivery of water treatment and energy conservation systems.
The
Project
Objectives
Project objectives cover both product design, development, certification and growth to full
manufacture. As a critical member of the business development team, the Associate will
be required to take ownership for delivery and effective qualification of the new product
design and development. It is essential that that process of development includes
enabling effective manufacturing change to grow the volume production capability and
efficiencies across the shop floor.
Critical elements and deliverables of the plan include the following:
1. Review of QPT business and markets
2. User Requirement and System Specification
 Report Document: detailing current system design & critical processing
elements.
 User requirements and system design specification for each product.
3. Concept Designs
 Efficiency of each module assessed, modelled, optimised for maximum
efficiency.
 Operations report for each model developed.
 Selected concept capacity products
4. Engineering Design of Each Selected System
 Design drawings and detail per module and component part.
 PLC control system design document, system software
 Review and definition report of strategic supply requirements and supplier details
with alternatives
 Test strategy document and plans for testing: in-house, product certification, and
for manufacturing test
5. New Product and Manufacturing Development
 Recommendations
on
changes
to
process
management
and
monitoring/reporting systems to ensure a more efficient management control
process within QPT
 project team to implement change
 Implementation plan to exploit new methods and techniques as defined in 5.1
 new operational/management procedures embedded within QPT through
documentation, training and collaborative working to ensure sustained
implementation
 Improved NPD procedures documented and staff trained
 Prototypes manufactured and assembled in preparation for systems testing.
 Test management and report on independent suppliers, plans and costs +
results of testing.
6. Extended Testing and Field Trials
 Field trails Implemented
 Presentation on Test/Field trail reports and conclusions. and management
summary report
 Install and update manufacturing line changes where necessary
7. Commercialisation and Dissemination
 Knowledge on design , development and manufacture of products transferred to
company through ongoing documentation, training and collaborative working
 Manufacturing and testing processes fully costed
 Business model developed
 Full product documentation revision and release
 New water purification systems fully tested and ready for commercialisation
The position carries considerable responsibility. The Associate will report directly to the
senior management team, therefore good presentation and communication skills are
essential. Some aspects of the project will involve working with customers of the company
in various locations, which will require strong interpersonal skills.
In return, the position offers the Associate the following benefits:
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a planned programme of training courses
the support and resources of the University
a challenging and rewarding job, with real responsibility
the possibility of registering for a higher degree with the University
the opportunity to make important and tangible improvements in a small but
dynamic company
 competitive pay and working conditions