KTP Associate - Electronics Engineer

Cardiff Metropolitan University and Militec Ltd are partnering through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) — a national programme that supports business innovation by linking industry with academic expertise and a highly qualified graduate, known as a KTP Associate.

This exciting opportunity is focused on the development of smart small arms target systems, combining applied engineering research with real-world product development in a commercially focused environment. The successful candidate will be based primarily at Militec Ltd (Mountain Ash, CF45 4ER), with academic support from Cardiff Metropolitan University, working closely with both industry and academic supervisors.

You’ll play a key role in:

• Leading the delivery of project work packages and acting as a key point of contact for the KTP project.
• Designing, developing, testing, and implementing advanced smart target technologies and system prototypes.
• Applying modelling, simulation, and experimental methods to support design optimisation and performance evaluation.
• Supporting system integration, troubleshooting, iterative refinement, and validation in laboratory and operational environments.
• Translating academic research and engineering principles into practical, commercially viable solutions.
• Managing project data collection, documentation, and reporting in collaboration with university and industry partners.
• Contributing to dissemination activities, including stakeholder presentations and co-authoring reports/publications.

What you’ll bring 

You will have a strong technical background and the ability to work effectively across both academic and industrial environments, translating engineering research into practical, commercially viable solutions.

Additionally, you’ll bring:

• A good honours degree in Electrical/Electronics/Mechatronics Engineering (or a closely related discipline).
• At least two years of experience of working in an industry, commercial, or applied research setting.
• Strong technical capability in sensor integration, signal processing, and embedded systems.
• Experience in electronics hardware prototyping, system integration, and validation/testing.
• Strong analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and confidence working independently toward milestones.
• Ability to engage effectively with academic, industrial, and external stakeholders.
• Experience documenting technical work, results, or processes in a professional or project-based environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to produce clear reports and technical documentation.
• Eligibility for UK defence security clearance prior to commencing the role.
• Willingness and ability to travel to off campus locations within UK and occasionally overseas if required.
• A Masters or PhD Electrical/Electronics/Mechatronics Engineering (or a closely related discipline).
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or COMSOL for modelling, simulation, and analysis, alongside relevant programming skills.
• Experience contributing to engineering or technology development projects.
• Ability to analyse and interpret quantitative data and experimental results to inform system design and decision-making.
• Understanding of research methods, experimental design, and data analysis relevant to applied engineering research.
• Knowledge of LIDAR, Optical or Thermal sensing and/or electromagnetic sensing technologies, and radio/wifi communication interfaces.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Annual leave of 21 days, plus 12 bank holiday.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
• Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact us 

For more information about the role please contact Dr. Ginu Rajan on grajan@cardiffmet.ac.uk or feel free to contact Aleks Janusiewicz, the Recruitment Advisor supporting this vacancy on ajanusiewicz2@cardiffmet.ac.uk.  

All applications must be submitted online.

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.

Further details:    Job Description Swydd Ddisgrifiad

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.