Daniel Knox

Design/Engineer & Product Design Lecturer, with 15 years of industry experience and four years in higher education across: Nottingham Trent University (2020–21), and Wrexham University (2021–present). My career spans institutions, where I played integral roles in creating performance solutions and life-saving equipment for the US Air Force, and pioneering innovative designs for leading brands like Dyson and Unilever. Notably, at Survitec (2010–13), I worked on Survitec's largest project (Integrated Aircrew Ensemble [IAE]), during a multimillion-dollar research and development phase, to develop the pilot flight ensemble for the new F-35 Lightning II, which involved managing the project across different cultures and time zones, working on a joint contract with Mustang Survival based in Canada, Survitec based England and Tiax LLC based in Boston. I developed / demonstrated how the use of a new material could result in material efficiency, a vast reduction in manufacturing time and energy and extensive cost savings. Following the three-year development phase, after demonstrating adherence to specification targets and key performance indicators, receiving approval from the US Government and successfully passing the critical design review (CDR), progressing it to future phases, evaluation/testing.

Industry | At Dyson (2015–18), I led engineering teams to deliver a functional assembly, identifying and mitigating risks and driving specification targets. My tenure at Unilever's Global Design Technology Hub (2017–21) bridged gaps from research and development to supply chain and procurement providing evidence and advice on the project’s development/testing. This catalysed a culture of innovation, designing for mass production and developing strategies aligned with Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan, resulting in an international patent for a sustainable packaging solution. Committed to fostering environmental awareness and sustainability, as demonstrated through my mentorship with the Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW). In 2023 I helped students win a national sustainability award for designing, engineering, and producing a solution to a community-led sustainability problem, (entitled: Engineering and Empowering People). I led major packaging projects, facilitated technology transfers, and implemented cost-saving measures within Global Design teams, working with numerous internal (research, NPI, brand, marketing, formulation, testing, IP, procurement, safety and regulatory) and external partners (supply chain, tooling, manufacturers), bringing designs to market.

Research | As an advisor in the Ecological Citizen(s) Network+, funded by UKRI's EPSRC £3.4m (EP/W020610/1), collaborating with the RCA and the University of York's Stockholm Environment Institute to establish the Ecological Citizen(s) Network+, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field and informing policy and practice. Through my multifaceted career journey, I remain dedicated to driving positive change, promoting sustainability, and nurturing the next generation of engineers and designers. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), I am committed to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices for the betterment of society and the environment.