KTP Associate - Computer Vision & Machine Learning Engineer

University of the West of Scotland – School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences - University of the West of Scotland in Partnership with Civil Track Engineering ltd.

Location: Kilmarnock

Full time: 40 hours per week

Fixed Term: 30 months

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS), in partnership with Track Civil Engineering Solutions LTD (TCES), is seeking a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate to lead the design and implementation of an innovative drone-based system for automated rail infrastructure inspection.

This project aims to modernise rail asset management by leveraging aerial data to enhance safety and operational efficiency across the UK rail network.

What you’ll be doing:

The Associate will be responsible for managing the entire project lifecycle, overseeing the transition from raw data acquisition to the final delivery of actionable business intelligence. A critical component of the project involves architecting a robust, secure backend infrastructure and developing an intuitive, dashboard designed to process and visualise collected dataset using advanced Machine Learning.

While high-level computational expertise is essential, comprehensive upskilling and certification for drone operations will be provided.

The successful candidate will operate at the interface of academia and industry, collaborating with the company and the university to transform cutting-edge research into a functional, commercial-grade solution for TCES.

What we’re looking for:

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree (2:1 or higher) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience delivering applied AI/ML /data science solutions
• Proven software development experience within a professional or research environment
• Experience working with cloud-based infrastructure and storage solutions.

Desirable:

• MSc or PhD (submitted or awarded) in a relevant field involving Machine Learning, Computer Vision, or Autonomous Systems.
• Prior experience working within the Civil Engineering, Rail, or Infrastructure sectors.
• Experience with MLOps tools and techniques

What you’ll get:

• £5000 personal training budget + access to national KTP leadership training.
• Dedicated support from both academic experts and senior company leaders.

About the company

Track Civil Engineering Solutions (TCES) is a family-owned, multi-disciplinary civil engineering contractor based in Kilmarnock and operating across the UK. With a proven track record in delivering high-quality projects across multiple sectors, we pride ourselves on our responsive service, trusted partnerships, and a strong commitment to health and safety, quality, and innovation.

Founded with a vision to provide smart, reliable civil engineering solutions, TCES offers clients a one-stop partner for project delivery — from start to completion. Our national coverage, expert team, and adaptable working model mean we can respond quickly to client needs and deliver results efficiently and safely.

About KTP:

This position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK. It’s essential you understand how KTP works with business and the University, and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure a KTP Associate position. Please visit: www.ktpws.org.uk or contact Stuart Mckay (stuart.mckay@uws.ac.uk).

The KTP program aims to help businesses in the UK to innovate and grow by linking them with academic or research institutions. This program supports the placement of a KTP Associate to work on a strategic project for a company, guided by both company and academic supervisors.

Why UWS?

We support you – We are the only Scottish University to have a dedicated KTP centre, meaning you are fully supported throughout your time with the company by UWS staff.

We are growing – In 2019, UWS were the top performing University in the UK by value of secured KTP projects.

KTP is a strategic priority at UWS. The only Scottish University with a dedicated KTP Centre dedicated to supporting your KTP and professional development journey.

Interview date: Monday 23rd March

Please note that as this role is primarily funded by Innovate UK, it is not eligible for relocation or visa costs

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

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