CFD Mechanical Engineer (KTP Associate)

Maghera £28,000 - £38,000

Job sector

Manufacturing / Engineering

Job function

Engineering

Job duration

24 months

Application closing date

02/11/2026

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Job description

Crossland Tankers Ltd and Queen’s University Belfast are offering an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering graduate to lead an ambitious innovation project focused on advanced simulation and optimisation technologies.

This role will apply Computational Fluid Dynamics, multiphysics modelling, CAD design, data analysis and artificial intelligence techniques to improve road tanker performance and efficiency. Working closely with academic and industry experts, you will deliver business-changing innovation while gaining valuable project leadership experience.

The successful candidate will benefit from a dedicated £4,000 personal development budget, structured KTP management training and support from experienced academic and commercial supervisors.

Skills and Experience

  • Minimum 2.1 Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related discipline.
  • Experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics, preferably OpenFoam.
  • Experience in Python programming for simulation automation and analysis.
  • Completion of a relevant research project or placement.
  • Strong CAD modelling and design skills.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.

The above criteria are not exhaustive. Candidates should refer to the Candidate Information Booklet for the full list of essential and desirable criteria before applying.

Project description

Crossland Tankers Ltd is seeking to strengthen its innovation capability through the development of advanced modelling, optimisation and artificial intelligence technologies that will support more sustainable and efficient tanker operations.

Employed by Queen’s University Belfast and supported by a team of academic experts, you will be based at Crossland Tankers Ltd in
Maghera, Co. Derry.

As a KTP Associate, you will lead on the delivery of the following key project stages:

  • Stage 1: Project Setup, Training and Baseline Modelling.
  • Stage 2: Aerodynamic Optimisation.
  • Stage 3: Vacuum Pump System-Level Efficiency Optimisation.
  • Stage 4: Integration, Validation and Savings Quantification.
  • Stage 5: Prototype Construction and Testing.
  • Stage 6: Knowledge Embedding, Implementation and Commercialisation.

About the business

Crossland Tankers Ltd is a leading specialist road tanker manufacturer in the UK and Ireland. The company generates revenue through the design, manufacture, repair, and servicing of high-quality specialist tankers for bulk liquid transport. Its two manufacturing sites, Swatragh (Northern Ireland) and Burnley (Lancashire), produce approximately 250 tankers per year. Today, the company employs over 130 people across these two manufacturing sites at Swatragh and Burnley and are one of the leading tanker manufacturers in the UK and Ireland.

The core business activities focus on vacuum tankers (waste, sludge, and effluent), milk tankers, ADR chemical tankers, potable water tankers, and bitumen tankers. These products are supplied to haulage operators across the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe, and the Middle East.

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