Machine Learning Software Engineer (KTP Associate)

KTP

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a unique UK-wide activity that help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of the knowledge, technology and skills within universities, colleges and research organisations.

Further information is available at: https://iuk-ktp.org.uk/

THE PROJECT

The University of Essex in partnership with Distag QCS offers an exciting opportunity to a graduate with the relevant skills and knowledge to design and implement innovative digital solutions that enhance decision making and operational performance within a growing manufacturing supply business.

DUTIES OF THE POST

Duties of the post will include:

Technical

• Working with a large, complex and highly varied dataset drawn from an ERP system that was never designed with machine learning in mind.
• Making sense of the data, shaping it into something usable and building reliable models on top of it.

Resource

• Leading the thinking, setting the pace and helping colleagues understand what is possible considering that Distag has no existing in‑house data science capability.
• Balancing hands‑on development work with the practical realities of a busy commercial environment where priorities can shift quickly and insights need to be delivered in a way that fits day‑to‑day operations.

People and change management

• Introducing new ways of working into a company that has grown successfully through experience, intuition and long-held knowledge.
• Helping teams trust the outputs, adopt new tools and embed data driven decision making.

These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake and may evolve to meet changing circumstances.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications/Training

• MSc in Data Science, Machine Learning, or similar

Experience/ Knowledge

• Knowledge/experience of computational/artificial intelligence
• Understanding of UI centred product design, as well as data extraction and interrogation
• Knowledge/interest in deep learning and neural networks
• Knowledge/interest in optimisation, modelling and algorithm development
• Strong mathematical foundation
• Knowledge/interest in data visualisation
• Understanding of project management and leadership
• Experience of project management (highly desirable)
• Experience of working in a supply chain and/or wholesale environment
• An understanding of the need to balance academic and commercial outputs

Skills/Abilities

• Python programming
• Ability to contribute to drafting of academic papers
• Working within a highly traditional sector; working with colleagues who may be resistant to change
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a range of technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to manage expectations in a multi-partner project
• Excellent time management skills
• Good command of written and spoken English

BENEFITS

This KTP Associate post offers the following benefits:

• A personal development budget of £5,000 (exclusive of salary).
• Management training and mentoring by an Innovate UK KTP Adviser.
• An interesting and challenging role, with exposure to a variety of stakeholders.
• Full access to university resources to complete the project.
• World-leading Academic and Company project supervision, with project support by a dedicated, sector leading KTP Office.

LOCATION

Distag QCS Ipswich Offices, Unit 24, Farthing Road, Sproughton, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5AP

Please use the 'Apply' button to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

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