Energy Systems Engineer (KTP Associate)

Energy Systems Engineer (KTP Associate)

Ulster University and Genie Insights Ltd

School: Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment

Location: Genie Insights Ltd, 24a Hollybank Road, Parkgate BT39 0DL

Salary: £38,000 - £45,000 per annum

Closing Date: Monday 21st September at 23:00

Reference Number: 043647

(Full-time / Fixed Term for 2 Years)

THE BUSINESS

Genie Insights is a specialist provider of integrated power solutions for commercial vehicle fleets, helping operators manage the growing energy demands of modern transport and fleet electrification.

Founded in 2016, the company works with OEMs, vehicle converters, bodybuilders and fleet operators across the UK and Europe. Acting as a solution architect, it develops practical, vehicle-ready technologies that improve reliability, reduce downtime and support operational performance.

Today, the business is recognised as a market leader in supplying vehicle-integrated solar solutions for commercial vehicles. Looking ahead, it is expanding its focus to encompass battery systems, energy storage and wider onboard power technologies, creating integrated energy solutions designed specifically for demanding fleet environments.

Having grown into a well-established, profitable business with a lean, expert team and a strong track record of delivery, the company is guided by four core values: Integrity, Fairness, Collaboration and Dependability. These values shape how the team works together, how decisions are made and how customers are supported.

This is an opportunity to join a growing, ambitious business at an exciting stage of its development, helping to design, develop and deliver the next generation of onboard energy solutions for commercial vehicles.

THE ROLE

Genie Insights Ltd, in partnership with Ulster University, has established a 2-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Project and is offering an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and highly motivated engineering graduate to work as a KTP Associate to oversee development and validation of an innovative portable power system for commercial vehicle fleets, integrating renewable energy, battery storage and intelligent energy management technologies. This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of industry and academia while delivering a strategically important innovation with significant commercial and environmental impact.

This is a pivotal role, where your contributions will help shape the future of Genie Insights' product portfolio and make a meaningful impact on a growing, ambitious business.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the project, working at the intersection of engineering research and commercial product development. This role will suit someone who thrives on accountability, enjoys solving complex technical challenges and is motivated by delivering tangible, real-world results.

KTP PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project will develop an innovative portable power system for commercial vehicle fleets, providing reliable onboard power without engine idling or reducing electric vehicle driving range.

The associate will lead the design, development, integration and validation of a system combining solar PV, battery storage, advanced thermal management and intelligent energy management technologies to maximise the use of low-carbon and renewable energy sources.

In parallel, the project will develop a cloud-based monitoring platform that will provide real-time operational insights and performance data, enabling intelligent energy management and supporting ongoing optimisation of the system in real-world fleet environments.

The successful candidate will lead product design and validation activities, including laboratory testing, vehicle integration, field trials and data analysis.

Working alongside experts from both Genie Insights and Ulster University, the Associate will play a key role in bringing a new product from concept through to real-world deployment, helping fleet operators reduce fuel consumption and emissions whilst improving operational efficiency and resilience.

BENEFITS

This KTP project provides a unique opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to a real industry challenge whilst benefitting from industrial and academic supervision and mentoring from Ulster University's experts Dr Aggelos Zacharopoulos, Professor Neil Hewitt, Professor Jayanta Mondol, and Dr Gabriel Goncalves Machado who will enhance your technical expertise in solar PV and battery systems, Phase Change Materials and electrical power systems for commercial vehicles. As a KTP Associate, you will also acquire new skills in strategic leadership that can help to supercharge your career. Additional benefits include:

• Generous £13k Training, Development, equipment & Travel Budget dedicated to project delivery, which includes but is not limited to training and courses to enhance research skills as well as for critical networking with key players in the field, specific project equipment, etc.
• FREE formal management training and development.
• FREE University postgraduate part-time study opportunities at Ulster University (where appropriate).
• 10% Associate development time built into work plan.
• Opportunity to work with academics to develop scientific articles to be published in peer-reviewed, world-class academic journals.
• Competitive salary.
• Enhanced skills and experience that are marketable and highly transferable.
• KTPs accelerate careers.

ABOUT YOU

This role will suit an ambitious and motivated engineer who enjoys solving real-world problems and wants to see their ideas translated into practical, commercial solutions.

Working at the intersection of academia and industry, you will combine technical expertise with strong project ownership, balancing academic rigour with the pace and priorities of a growing business. You will be comfortable managing multiple priorities, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and driving projects through to successful completion.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should hold an honours degree in Energy, Renewable Energy, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Physics or a closely related discipline at 2:1 or above.

The Associate should be able to demonstrate knowledge, skills or experience in at least three of the following areas:

• Solar PV systems, battery energy storage technologies, or renewable energy systems.
• Electrical, electronic, or power engineering design and development.
• Experimental testing, laboratory measurements, data analysis, and performance evaluation.
• Programming, control systems, embedded systems, IoT technologies, or software development for monitoring and optimisation applications.

Further information can be found in the Candidate Briefing Document.

The appointment will be for a period of 2 years, and although the post is administratively linked to the University, the Associate will be based at the Company's premises in Ballyclare, Co. Antrim. Successful completion of the KTP may lead to a new position within the company partner at the end of the project period.

Both Genie Insights Ltd and Ulster University are Equal Opportunities employers.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.