Overview
As a KTP Associate, you will be based mainly at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, while working in conjunction with the Centre for Digital and Design Engineering (CDDE) at Cranfield University. The aim is to develop a Virtual Testing Assistant (VTA) that uses semantic technologies, AI models, and knowledge graphs to support smarter, more efficient vehicle testing processes. The role leads the technical development of the VTA, including ontology engineering, AI model training, and the design of interoperable knowledge systems. You will embed academic research into practical engineering tools, work across software architecture, data strategy, and simulation workflow, and collaborate with test teams across Europe to analyse the current situation and propose digital solutions to support business transformation. Developments should be sense-checked to ensure commercial viability.
An exciting opportunity to work as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate has arisen as part of a collaboration project between Nissan Technical Centre Europe Ltd and Cranfield University. The project will focus on the development of a Virtual Testing Assistant (VTA) that integrates ontologies, knowledge graphs, and AI models to support Nissan''s digital transformation in vehicle testing.
Responsibilities
* Delivery and management of research and knowledge translation (KT) tasks: perform applied research in semantic technologies, knowledge graphs, and large language models to support the development of the VTA tool; design, implement, and test AI-driven tools for recommending vehicle test scenarios, reducing duplication, and improving planning efficiency.
* Publications: disseminate and publish high-quality journals and conference papers in digital engineering and AI in automotive testing; support Cranfield colleagues in delivering a REF Impact case study relating to AI and digital transformation in vehicle testing; author articles for peer-reviewed journals and other industry publications to raise the profile of the Associate and Nissan.
* Business reporting and communication: produce regular progress reports, presentations, and summaries for Nissan stakeholders; present results in a clear, commercially relevant way to support decision-making and industry adoption.
* Project management: manage day-to-day project activities, disseminate regular updates to stakeholders, coordinate activities between Nissan and Cranfield, organise regular meetings with academic and industrial supervisors, and prepare progress reports for the Local Management Committee (LMC).
* Cost-benefit analysis: work with Nissan''s senior engineering and business teams to assess potential impact of the VTA tool, including efficiency improvements, cost savings, and scalability; develop a robust business case and support knowledge transfer planning for long-term adoption within Nissan.
* Personal development and knowledge base, induction: engage in personal development activities and contribute to the effective operation of Nissan, ensuring compliance with Nissan and Cranfield University environmental, sustainability, ethical, and health and safety policies.
About the business
Based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, UK and in Barcelona, Spain, NTCE (Nissan Technical Centre, Europe) is Nissan''s UK R&D hub. We are home to the functions that help lead vehicle design and development of vehicles manufactured in our European plants. With more than 900 people based in Cranfield from over 25 countries, the centre fosters cross-functional collaboration. The R&D Test and Design teams at the Cranfield Nissan Technical Centre work globally to develop engineering and design requirements for new car models. Nissan values diversity and is an equal opportunities employer, committed to transparency, cross-cultural collaboration, and competitive business performance. You will be based at NTCE, adjacent to Cranfield University, and will work closely with Nissan''s engineering teams while engaging with academic supervisors on campus. The Centre for Digital and Design Engineering (CDDE) at Cranfield supports industry adoption of advanced digital tools for more efficient, intelligent, and integrated product development, bringing together expertise in simulation, digital twins, semantic technologies, AI, and data-driven engineering. Please visit the Centre''s webpage for details of current activities.
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