Job Details

• Employer: The University of Essex
• Location: East Sussex
• Salary: £41,100
• Sector: Manufacturing / Engineering | Function: Digital Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing Systems, Software Engineering, Automation | Duration: 30 months
• Closing date listed: 21 October 2026

About the Role

Modernise the software and manufacturing workflows at Howard Brothers Joinery through a 30-month University of Essex partnership. You will connect fragmented systems, improve data quality and build a shared digital platform that reduces manual work and supports reliable production.

Main Responsibilities

• Review existing software platforms and redesign workflows across design, estimating and manufacturing.
• Expand and standardise the iMOS environment, including libraries, materials, metadata, templates and configuration rules.
• Create checks for drawings, part data, machining information, bills of materials and CNC outputs before production.
• Integrate iMOS, ERP and legacy systems to reduce duplicate entry and transfer errors.
• Redesign databases and develop scripts, automation tools, reporting and operational dashboards.
• Improve shop-floor access to current drawings and production information, including mobile delivery options.
• Gather requirements, test with representative and live projects, run pilots and assess performance against agreed KPIs.
• Plan workstreams, risks and rollouts around live production needs.
• Produce documentation, guidance, training and aligned standard operating procedures.
• Evaluate AI-assisted development and opportunities to integrate AI into workflows.

Essential Requirements

• A degree in Digital Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing Systems, Software Engineering, Automation or a closely related subject.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification or industry-specific experience, plus relevant professional or industrial experience.
• Experience with systems integration, data exchange, automation development and data structures.
• Knowledge of software testing, verification and validation.
• Experience or knowledge of CAD/CAM, manufacturing information systems, ERP, APIs and interoperability.
• Database design, data modelling, integration and delivery of production software.
• Ability to gather requirements, redesign workflows, coordinate pilots and embed new processes.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted development, agentic AI and integration of AI or language model services with business systems.

Desirable Experience

No separate desirable criteria are provided in the saved description. Refer to the official job pack for details.

Benefits and Support

• A personal development budget listed as £5,000; the saved source contains a formatting error, so confirm the amount in the official job pack.
• Management training and mentoring from an Innovate UK KTP Adviser.
• University resources, academic and company supervision, and support from the KTP Office.

About the Employer

Howard Brothers Joinery, established in 1938, manufactures bespoke joinery and delivers interior fit-outs for commercial, heritage and luxury residential projects. Based in Battle, East Sussex, it combines CAD modelling, CNC machining, fabrication and installation.

How to Apply

Use the employer’s recruitment page to read the full job pack, confirm that applications remain open and follow the application instructions.