Job Description

ABOUT THE ROLE

This multidisciplinary KTP project will apply materials science, advanced computational modelling and design for manufacture expertise to develop innovative mounting solutions for solar PV. Working within CrowdHouse Energy (CHE) Ltd, a fast-growing renewable energy solutions business, the KTP Associate will lead the project activity, working closely and with support from Northumbria University (NU) academic supervisors and CHE stakeholders to ensure project outputs meet the needs of the business. This 24-month project will appeal to individuals passionate about applying research in a real-world environment, offering the chance to directly innovate and influence the next generation of solar technology while gaining valuable experience across academia and industry.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a full understanding of the strategic aims and function of the collaborative project between CHE and Northumbria University.
• Undertake research, design, development, implementation, project management
• Take ownership of the KTP project, feed back to the project team and deliver the project in accordance with the project plan and KTP management requirements.
• Document progress during the project, as well as completing KTP records.
• Present research outputs to a varied audience including CHE management, clients, NU academics and the KTP Local Management Committee (project team).

Benefits:

• £4k personal development budget (exclusive of salary)
• Access to national KTP leadership training.
• Dedicated support from both academic experts and senior company leaders.
• Opportunity to publish academic work and attend conferences.
• Management training and mentoring by an Innovate UK KTP Adviser.
• An interesting and challenging role, with exposure to a variety of stakeholders.
• Full access to university resources to complete the project.

This is a fixed term role for 24 months. The position is based at CrowdHouse Energy, Whitehouse Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 6LN.

ABOUT YOU

As the Associate, you will lead and manage the KTP and be an effective 'translator' between the NU academic team and CHE, ensuring all partners benefit from the KTP. As such, you will need to possess the following essential (E) and desirable (D) skills and attributes:

• Strong experience of engineering design and manufacture (E)
• Strong experience of numerical modelling and simulation, including FEM and CFD (E)
• Experience of working on multidisciplinary projects with diverse teams and stakeholders (E)
• Experience of testing and validating designs to international standards, including structure
• testing and wind tunnel testing (D)
• Experience of writing technical reports and scientific papers for publication and dissemination (D)
• Ability to problem solve, adapt and develop experimental designs to accommodate evolving requirements (E)
• Self-management, including the ability to meet deadlines (E)
• Enthusiasm for the subject and technology (E)
• Interest in working within industry (E)
• Ability to learn new concepts quickly and independently (E)
• An understanding of commercial considerations (D)
• Ability to build/manage relationships among academics and industrialists, customers and suppliers (D)
• An appreciation of the benefits of the KTP model and willingness to engage in all aspects of the programme (D)

An excellent academic qualification in Mechanical Engineering or related field at bachelor's (with experience) or master's level is essential. A PhD in a related field would be desirable.

Further information is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact martin.birkett@northumbria.ac.uk.

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'.  Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.

ABOUT CROWD HOUSE ENERGY

CHE is a specialist provider of renewable energy solutions, focusing on the design, delivery, and consultancy of sustainable energy infrastructure. CHE currently install commercial rooftop, ground-mount, and solar carport solutions that can produce megawatt-scale onsite renewable energy generation, slash carbon emissions, and monetise existing assets. The business is committed to designing innovative solutions for renewable energy generation that drive positive change and help cement the UK as a world leader in renewable energy technology- a mission they are passionate about.

ABOUT NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY

Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us.

With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.

Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding a Silver Athena Swan in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, a bronze Race Equality Charter Award and we are a Disability Confident Leader.  We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.

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