AI Fleet Analytics & Engineering Associate (KTP Associate)

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.

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 Roshani (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, including:

• 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.

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.