Machine Learning Software Engineer (KTP Associate)

The Knowledge Transfer Network Limited; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal development budget

Mentoring by Innovate UK KTP Adviser

Access to university resources

Exposure to diverse stakeholders

Job summary

Distag QCS in partnership with the University of Essex is seeking a Machine Learning Software Engineer (KTP Associate) to design and implement advanced data-driven solutions within a manufacturing and supply chain context.

You will work on large ERP-derived datasets, build reliable ML models, and help translate research into practical decisions while collaborating with stakeholders across manufacturing and supply chain domains.

Qualifications

• MSc in Data Science, Machine Learning, or similar.
• Knowledge/experience of computational/artificial intelligence.
• Understanding of UI centred product design, data extraction and interrogation.
• Knowledge/interest in deep learning and neural networks.
• Knowledge/interest in optimisation, modelling and algorithm development.
• Strong mathematical foundation.
• Understanding of project management and leadership.
• Experience of project management (highly desirable).
• Experience of working in a supply chain/wholesale environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the thinking and set the pace for data-driven initiatives.
• Work with stakeholders to translate insights into practical decisions.
• Build reliable ML models from large ERP-derived data sources.
• Balance hands-on development with real-world business constraints.

Skills

Python programming

Data interpretation

Communication

English proficiency

ML knowledge

Project management

Education

MSc in Data Science, Machine Learning, or similar

Tools

None

Job description

Machine Learning Software Engineer (KTP Associate)

• 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. They may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.

Experience, Skills and Education

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
• 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
• Good command of written and spoken English

As a KTP Associate, the post will offer 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.

The position is fixed term, full time for 30 months.

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.

About the business

The Distag QCS (‘Quality Component Solutions’) Group is primarily a manufacturer importer and distributor of engineering and associated components for agricultural and industrial machinery manufacturers and distributors, operating from three locations across the UK and Ireland. Distag QCS UK has their registered office in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, with a larger site at Ipswich, Suffolk. The UK company is a part of the overall Distag Group which is headquartered in the Republic of Ireland under an overall holding company, Crewfast Ltd.

Their product range is sold to a wide range of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Power Transmission Distributors. They specialise in supplying mechanical and fluid power components, trailer and machinery components, also offering an unrivalled OEM bespoke outsourcing solution to distributors and manufacturers across the UK and Ireland.