Industrial Automation and Digital Twin Development Engineer - KTP Associate

Industrial Automation and Digital Twin Development Engineer - KTP Associate (fixed term up to 27 months)

Engineering Department

The KTP Associate will lead the development and implementation of a digital twin and automation solution for spring onion processing at Sandfields Farms Ltd. Working with Harper Adams University and Sandfields engineering and operations teams, the Associate will analyse existing wash and pack line performance, develop and calibrate a digital twin using multiphysics simulation, and use this environment to design and test automation concepts for singulation, trimming, labelling, packing, and process control.

The role will deliver validated virtual models, support physical prototyping and trials on site, and contribute to the integration of robotics, control systems, and vision technologies into a production environment. The Associate will quantify operational and economic benefits, document methods and procedures, and support knowledge transfer activities that embed digital simulation and automation capability within the business.

• Work closely with academic supervisors at Harper Adams University and industrial supervisors at Sandfields Farms to plan and deliver project stages in line with the agreed KTP workplan.
• Organise and run participatory design workshops with production, engineering, and management staff to capture requirements and operational constraints.
• Prepare and present technical reports and presentations for Local Management Committee meetings and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to publications, case studies, and dissemination activities arising from the project.
• Support training and upskilling of Sandfields staff in the use of digital twin and automation tools and methods.
• Manage day to day project activities, including risk assessment, data collection, experimental planning, and liaison with suppliers where required.

You will hold an MEng or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering or a closely related discipline. You will have demonstrable experience in one or more of the following areas:
Finite Element Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Discrete Element Method, Multi Body Dynamics, robotics, or automation and control. Experience with CAD and simulation software for modelling mechanical or process systems is essential. You will be able to analyse experimental or operational data, compare it with simulation outputs, and use the results to refine models and designs. Experience of working with industrial partners, manufacturing processes, or food handling equipment is desirable but not essential.

You will have good communication skills, be able to work with multidisciplinary teams at both the University and the company site, and be able to organise your own work to meet project milestones.

Please apply online via the Harper Adams e‑Recruitment programme at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..harper‑ submitting your CV and a personal statement outlining your suitability for the role. Your personal statement should clearly demonstrate how your skills, experience, and achievements meet the requirements outlined in the person specification. Applications without a personal statement may not be considered.

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