Project Engineer (KTP Associate)
Portadown £32,597
Job sector
Manufacturing / Engineering
Job function
Engineering
Job duration
3 years
Application closing date
19/06/2026
Job description
Under the supervision and mentorship of the Company and academic supervisors, the Associate will be required to deliver the following key stages of the KTP Program;
- Project Stage 1 – Design & Data Preparation (CATIA → SolidWorks)
- Project Stage 2 – Manufacturing Planning & SOP Development
- Project Stage 3 – Prototype Manufacture & Testing
- Project Stage 4 – Full-Scale Implementation & Industry 4.0 Integration
- Project Stage 5 – Strategic Planning & Future Factory Preparation
Within this Associate post, the successful candidate will be responsible for any or all of the following duties:
Management Responsibilities
- Assist the Company and academic supervisors as required with respect to project management.
- The post-holder is expected to take an active role in driving the project.
Project Management Responsibilities
- Develop a pilot project demonstrating ‘proof of concept’ as part of a change management program.
- Develop a Roadmap and Action Plan as part of a Change Management Program
- Manage and review Action Plan
- Complete Information Technology Readiness Assessments with ‘gap analyses’ within the Company.
- Work towards the strategic goals of the company under the Knowledge Transfer Partnership
- Identify industry standards or certification relative to the company goals.
- Assist in research.
- Develop an understanding of data analysis techniques.
- Monitor benefits realisation through the use of Key Performance Indicators.
- Assess risks associated with the KTP project and manage an Issues Register.
Project description
Mercer PME specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke industrial machinery, delivering tailored engineering solutions across a range of sectors. The business generates revenue through the development of custom-built equipment, combining mechanical design, fabrication, and automation to meet specific client requirements, from standalone systems to integrated production solutions. Mercer PME’s current objectives focus on strengthening its in-house engineering capabilities and expanding its capacity to deliver complex, high-value machinery. With support from Innovate UK and Southern Regional College, the company is embedding advanced mechanical design, digital modelling, and automation expertise into its operations. This includes the adoption of structured product Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Southern Regional College and Mercer PME Ltd development frameworks and scalable digital workflows to improve efficiency, consistency, and innovation.
As part of its growth strategy, Mercer PME is focused on reducing reliance on external design resources while enhancing its ability to deliver reliable, high-performance machinery. By upskilling its team and integrating best-practice engineering methodologies, the business aims to improve productivity, streamline development processes, and respond to increasingly complex project demands. This forward-looking approach will enable Mercer PME to build a strong foundation of technical knowledge, foster a culture of continuous innovation, and position the company as a leader in bespoke, digitally enabled industrial machinery.
About the business
Mercer PME is a Mechanical & Electrical Engineering firm specialising in industrial maintenance, production support, and bespoke machinery solutions. The company began with Ryan delivering electrical engineering work, but early challenges with fabrication led Mercer PME to expand into custom mechanical fabrication. Revenue is currently generated through planned and reactive maintenance, equipment upgrades, process automation, and the design and manufacture of bespoke machinery for clients in the food, materials handling, and general industrial sectors.
The company’s current objectives are to deliver reliable, high-quality engineering services while strengthening internal design and mechanical engineering capability. Historically, Mercer PME has relied on third-party designs for complex projects, but growing concerns over external designs have driven the company to bring mechanical design, digital modelling, and control systems in-house. This transition underpins its development of structured design, prototyping, and process optimisation practices, improving efficiency, accuracy, and project delivery.
Alongside service delivery, Mercer PME is embedding advanced manufacturing and digital engineering methodologies, including Industry 4.0 principles, within the business. By building in-house design and automation expertise, the company aims to reduce reliance on external consultants, increase productivity, and position itself for long-term growth in high-value, innovative engineering projects.