AI Vision and Automation Engineer Job in UK | Harper Adams University

Ready to teach a robot to sort fresh fruit using AI? Harper Adams University seeks an AI Vision and Automation Engineer for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Karsten UK in Newport, Shropshire. Candidates needing Skilled Worker sponsorship are directed to Gov.UK guidance to check eligibility. If computer vision, simulation, and robotics excite you, this 24-month post offers rare hands-on delivery.

About the Role

You will develop an AI-driven vision and quality sorting system for Karsten UK’s citrus facility. This includes building a Discrete Element Method simulation of fruit dynamics and generating synthetic training data through photorealistic rendering. Additionally, you will train AI classification models to reach 95% accuracy.

You will then integrate them with a Fanuc Delta pick-and-place robot, using a conveyor training rig beside production. The role is full-time at Karsten UK, with at least half a day weekly of academic supervision from Harper Adams. It runs for 24 months from a target start of 25 January 2027, paying £37,000 to £43,300.

About the Hiring Firm

Harper Adams University is a specialist land-based university in Edgmond, near Newport, Shropshire. It was founded in 1901 as an agricultural college through the bequest of farmer Thomas Harper Adams. It gained university status in 2012, becoming Shropshire’s first university.

Its departments cover engineering, food science, crop and environment, animal production, and agri-business. The partner company, Karsten UK Limited, is a fresh citrus processing and distribution business. It supplies major UK and European retailers from its Newport facility.

Job Duties

• Build a DEM simulation of fruit dynamics
• Generate synthetic training data through photorealistic rendering
• Train AI classification models to reach 95% accuracy
• Integrate vision outputs with the robot controller for automated sorting
• Develop and validate the system on the conveyor training rig
• Make the system retrainable for new products and specifications

Job Requirements

• First or upper second-class honours degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Engineering, or a related field
• Experience developing AI, machine learning, or computer vision solutions
• Programming experience in Python and/or MATLAB
• Strong communication and project management skills
• MSc or PhD, and robotics or simulation experience, are desirable
• Food processing or manufacturing experience is a plus

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Conclusion

This role suits applied AI engineers who want to see their models run on real hardware. With academic supervision and an industry partner, the support is strong. For graduates seeking practical AI delivery, Harper Adams offers a rewarding start.

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