Research Associate – Advanced Manufacturing (KTP with We Seal Ltd UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Derby’s College of Science & Engineering, in partnership with We Seal Ltd, is offering a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) opportunity for a skilled researcher in advanced manufacturing.

This role focuses on the design, development, and launch of a new sustainable sealing machine, enabling We Seal to expand globally while delivering measurable environmental benefits.

Employed by the University but based onsite at We Seal in Leeds, you will:

Lead the KTP project, from design and testing to implementation and launch of a new manufacturing solution.

Deliver performance improvements in production, maintenance, and information systems.

Apply lean, sustainable design, automation, control, and IoT applications in a real-world business context.

Collaborate with academic and industry experts, while benefiting from training, development funds, and support equivalent to University staff.

This is a high-impact role for an ambitious candidate eager to drive innovation, sustainability, and applied engineering solutions.

About We Seal Ltd

We Seal Ltd designs and manufactures bag sealing tapes and sealing machines used across the food industry. The company provides complete solutions – from design and engineering to installation and maintenance – and is committed to innovation, sustainability, and global expansion.

About Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

KTPs are three-way collaborations between a business, a university, and a researcher. This role offers:

Competitive salary plus £4,500 personal training and development budget.

Access to University of Derby training and development opportunities.

The chance to make a significant impact on business growth while building your own career.

About You

Essential:

A 2:1 honours degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline).

Strong experience with CAD (SolidWorks) and engineering design techniques.

Knowledge of lean and sustainable design, automation and control (with programming), and IoT applications in manufacturing.

Project management experience with multiple stakeholders.

Strong programming ability (logic-based).

Excellent communication skills (reports, presentations, customer engagement).

Ability to work independently, solve problems creatively, and manage deadlines.

Desirable:

A Master’s or PhD in a relevant subject, or equivalent industry experience.

Proven use of SolidWorks in commercial settings.

Experience with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).

Skills in PLC programming or Java (or equivalent).

Experience leading teams in a manufacturing environment.

Benefits

Salary: £40,000 – £45,000.

Employed by the University of Derby, working onsite at We Seal Ltd.

£4,500 training and career development budget.

Opportunities for volunteering and participation in We Seal’s charity schemes.

Work within a supportive, family-owned company culture and a leading UK university with a strong research and innovation record.

Important Information

Equity, diversity and inclusion: The University of Derby is a Disability Confident Employer and actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Recruitment is anonymised at shortlisting to reduce bias.

Sustainability: Staff are expected to embed sustainability in their work, supporting the University’s goal to reach net zero by 2050.

Drive innovation. Deliver sustainability. Shape the future of global manufacturing. Apply now.