Smart Manufacturing & AI Systems Engineer - KTP Associate

Overview

Location:

Stoke on Trent
Department:
Department of Computer Science

Employer:

Birmingham City University (BCU) in partnership with GJB Holdings Limited

Contract:

24-month Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) Associate project, on-site at GJB Holdings Limited, seconded from Birmingham City University
Salary: £38,000 to £42,000 per annum (Fixed Term Post, Full Time)

The Smart Manufacturing & AI Systems Engineer (KTP Associate) will work to deliver a KTP project that aligns university resources with industry needs, delivering benefits for the company, the university, and the graduate. The role involves collaboration with leading academics, on-site delivery, and applying knowledge and technical innovation to commercial projects.

• Data acquisition pipelines and IoT sensor integration
• Building machine learning models for forecasting, optimisation, and automated decision-making
• Implementing visual analytics dashboards for factory intelligence
• Process mapping, workflow redesign, and lean digital transformation
• Evaluating and upgrading manufacturing equipment to Industry 4.0 standards
• Facilitating collaborative workshops with academic and industry partners

The role requires developing a smart manufacturing ecosystem and AI-driven solutions, with responsibilities including the design and deployment of an AI-driven optimisation engine, digital twin development, and change management to embed digital capability within the workforce. The candidate will interact with senior management, suppliers, clients, and BCU academics, and apply knowledge to commercial projects to drive value.

Essential:

• A minimum 2:1 or first class undergraduate qualification in AI, Data Science, Computer Science, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering
• Experience in data analysis, machine learning, or industrial automation
• Ability to integrate digital tools with manufacturing processes
• Strong programming skills (Python, SQL, or similar)
• Experience with IoT devices, sensors, or real-time data systems
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Proven ability to work independently and lead technical development

Desirable:

• Master’s degree or PhD in AI, Digital Manufacturing, Data Science, Industrial Systems Engineering, or related fields
• Relevant industry certifications (Lean Six Sigma, AWS/Azure cloud, IoT, etc.)
• Experience with ERP/MES systems
• Knowledge of digital twin development
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, workflows, and lean methodologies
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP)
• Experience in deploying AI models in production environments

The role includes access to a personal development budget of £4,000 to upskill during the project, and full access to Birmingham City University resources (offices, labs, library) to complete the project workplan with KPIs and outcome deliverables. The successful candidate will be employed by Birmingham City University and seconded to GJB Holdings Limited.

GJB Holdings Limited is a leading UK manufacturer in the windows and doors sector, with facilities in Essex and Stoke-on-Trent. The company is undergoing a major phase of digital transformation, adopting AI, data-driven decision-making, Industrial IoT, and smart-factory technologies to enhance efficiency, quality, and customer service. Further information:

Interviews are scheduled for w/c 2 March 2026. For more information, please contact Ogerta Elezaj at  or Hadeel Saadany at

BCU is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. Policies and procedures are reviewed to promote these values across operations.

Further details and application information are available through the Birmingham City University careers site.