Overview
Digital Vehicle Test Engineer (KTP Associate) position at Cranfield University in collaboration with Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE).
Role Description
We welcome applications from passionate, skilled individuals eager to help shape the future of vehicle testing with Nissan. 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
* Lead the design and development of the Virtual Testing Assistant (VTA).
* Collaborate with teams at Nissan and Cranfield University to bring together data management, semantic modelling, ontologies, and AI tools such as Large Language Models (LLMs).
* Help identify optimal test scenarios, reduce unnecessary repetition, enhance simulation workflows, and improve test planning to speed up vehicle development.
About You
* Hold an MSc (with a First Class undergraduate degree) or a PhD (or be close to completion) in a STEM discipline such as Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or Artificial Intelligence.
* Strong programming skills (e.g., Python) with knowledge of machine learning and data modelling.
* Essential experience delivering AI or data-driven projects.
* Familiarity with ontologies (e.g., OWL), knowledge graphs (e.g., Neo4j, GraphDB), and system integration tools (e.g., APIs, SPARQL) would be highly desirable.
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to apply systems thinking to complex engineering data challenges, self-motivation, adaptability, and effective communication across academic and industrial teams.
* Knowledge of engineering simulation workflows or automotive systems would be advantageous.
About Us
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university with large-scale facilities and industry partnerships. The Centre for Design and Digital Engineering integrates advanced digital technologies in engineering practice, including data science, AI, and digital twinning to support industry-led innovation.
Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) is Nissan’s European R&D hub, based in the UK and Spain. The Test and Design teams work to engineer requirements and designs for new car models for Europe and global markets. The role is based at NTCE in Cranfield, with collaboration with the specified Nip supervisor and Cranfield researchers.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to the work. The Working Arrangements Framework provides opportunities to flexibly combine on-site and remote working where your role allows.
Eligibility
An individual currently or previously employed by Nissan, except in an Industrial Placement role, would not be eligible for the KTP Associate role. Individuals who have already been a KTP Associate would not be considered ideal candidates.
How To Apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Christina Latsou, Lecturer in Smart Manufacturing, at +44 1234 754972 or Christina.Latsou@cranfield.ac.uk. Please also contact peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk for further details and quote reference number 5133.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 26 October 2025. We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the stated closing date if we receive sufficient applications.
Employment Type
* Full-time
Seniority Level
* Entry level
Salary and Contract
Full-time starting salary is £36,000 to £42,000 per annum (39 hours per week), dependent upon qualifications and experience, plus £4,000 personal development budget. Fixed-term contract for 27 months.
Documents: 5133 - JD & Person Spec.pdf (PDF, 549.27kb) is available.
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