"AI Fleet Analytics and Systems Engineer"

Are you a recent postgraduate eager to shape the future of environmental services through cutting-edge AI?

The University of Surrey, in collaboration with Whitespace Work Software Ltd - the UK’s leading provider in environmental and waste software - is recruiting a forward-thinking AI Fleet Analytics and Systems Engineer for a transformative, Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Project.

This strategic initiative will support Whitespace’s evolution into a fully integrated, AI-powered municipal waste management solution provider for smart city local authorities. Whitespace currently supports over 130 local authorities and public sector contractors with scalable future-ready technology. The KTP reflects Whitespace’s ongoing investment in innovation, people, and long-term partnership with the University.

The Role

As one of two KTP Associates, you’ll be based at Whitespace’s headquarters in Godalming, co-leading the development of a data-driven platform to optimise waste collection routes. Working within the company, you’ll work alongside a second Associate and be supported by academic experts from the University of Surrey, including:

• Dr Yinglong He (School of Engineering)
• Dr Wolfgang Garn and Dr Abdolreza Rshani (Surrey Business School)

KTP provides a unique opportunity to apply knowledge gained through academic study in a real-world setting, helping bring an innovative solution to market while launching your career in industry.

The Candidate

We’re looking for a highly motivated and results-driven individual with a postgraduate degree in one of the following:

• Engineering (Automotive and/or Energy),
• Data Science, or
• A related computational or quantitative discipline

You’ll bring experience in:

• Modelling vehicle dynamics, energy consumption, battery health, and tailpipe emissions
• Data extraction and processing from sources such as vehicle telemetry, traffic APIs (e.g. TomTom), GIS, GPS, OpenStreetMap, Ordnance Survey data - including building and managing scalable data pipelines, designing database structures, and developing secure API integrations
• Programming in languages such as C# and Python
• Solving Data Science and analytics challenges including applications of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
• Preferably, experience with Vibe coding and GenAI such as Claude, Copilot and ChatGPT,
• Business Intelligence and Data Visualisation, using tools like Power BI, SQL (ideally PostGIS or other spatial database extenders) and cloud-based databases
• Project management and business acumen, including mapping business processes, presenting insights, and translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

You’ll thrive in a collaborative environment, be energised by learning new technologies, and have a genuine passion for driving innovation through data-driven solutions.

This 24-month fixed-term contract offers exceptional benefits.

• Hands-on Business-based experience leading a high-impact project in a commercial setting.
• Mentorship from academic and industry experts.
• Generous dedicated personal development budget and dedicated time for training.
• Potential for a permanent role at Whitespace upon successful completion of the KTP project.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be directed to Dan Bance at: ilovektp@surrey.ac.uk. Please note applications sent directly to this email address cannot be accepted.

As part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Programme, your application will be reviewed by representatives from both the University of Surrey and the host organisation, the Business Partner. By submitting your application, you consent to your personal details being shared with the business partner for the purposes of recruitment and project delivery.

To ensure you're considered for this opportunity, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. Please note that we reserve the right to close this advertisement ahead of the deadline if we receive a high volume of strong applications. This role is subject to completion of contractual terms between all associated parties.

Further details

Job Description