At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of a Virtual Testing Assistant to revolutionise vehicle testing.
- Company: Join Nissan and Cranfield University in an innovative collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a chance to impact automotive R&D.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a global organisation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital transformation in the automotive industry.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in STEM, strong programming skills, and AI project experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity to work as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate 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.
Your role will lead the design and development of the Virtual Testing Assistant (VTA), a tool that will help to accelerate the shift from traditional physical testing development towards smarter, simulation-driven approaches. You will work closely with teams at Nissan and Cranfield University, bringing together data management, semantic modelling, ontologies, and advanced AI tools such as Large Language Models (LLMs). The VTA will help identify optimal test scenarios, reduce unnecessary repetition, enhance simulation workflows, and improve test planning so vehicle development can be faster and more efficient.
About You
You will 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.
This role requires strong programming skills (e.g. in Python), along with knowledge of machine learning and data modelling. Experience of delivering AI or data-driven projects is essential. Familiarity with ontologies (e.g. OWL), knowledge graphs (e.g. Neo4j, GraphDB), and system integration tools (e.g. APIs, SPARQL) would be highly desirable.
You should have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to apply systems thinking to complex engineering data challenges. You will be self-motivated, adaptable, and confident communicating across both academic and industrial teams. Knowledge of engineering simulation workflows or automotive systems would be an advantage.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply advanced digital and AI tools in a real-world automotive R&D environment, and to contribute to meaningful innovation within a global organisation.
About Us
As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Cranfield Manufacturing, Materials and Design community focuses on niche postgraduate research, education, and consultancy, bringing together design, materials technology, and management expertise to create smart, clean, and green solutions with Net Zero UK 2050 in mind. The Centre for Design and Digital Engineering specialises in the integration of advanced digital technologies in engineering practice, combining data science, simulation, AI, and digital twinning to support industry-led innovation in design, testing and development. Find out more at Cranfield Centre for Digital Engineering and Manufacturing.
Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) is Nissan’s European R&D hub, based in the UK and Spain and employing people from many countries. The Test and Design teams based here work to engineer requirements and designs for new car models for Europe and global markets. You will be based at Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield and work closely with Nick Robinson (Nissan supervisor), and with Professor John Erkoyuncu and Dr Christina Latsou at Cranfield University.
Working Arrangements
Collaborating and connecting are integral to our work. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides opportunities to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.
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 an ideal candidate.
How to apply
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Christina Latsou, Lecturer in Smart Manufacturing, on (T): +44 1234 754972 or (E): Christina.Latsou@cranfield.ac.uk
Apply online now. Please contact peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk for further details. Please quote reference number 5133.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 26 October 2025
Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
This partnership received financial support from the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK, as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy.
Seniority level
- Not Applicable
Employment type
- Contract
Job function
- Engineering, Research, and Other
- Higher Education
Digital Vehicle Test Engineer (KTP Associate) in Cranfield employer: Cranfield University
Cranfield University, in collaboration with Nissan Technical Centre Europe, offers an exceptional opportunity for a Digital Vehicle Test Engineer (KTP Associate) to engage in cutting-edge research and development within the automotive sector. With a strong emphasis on innovation, employee growth, and a collaborative work culture, this role allows you to apply advanced AI tools in a real-world setting while benefiting from flexible working arrangements and access to world-class facilities. Join us in shaping the future of vehicle testing and contribute to meaningful advancements in technology and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Vehicle Test Engineer (KTP Associate) in Cranfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Nissan or Cranfield University. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a project showcase that highlights your programming and AI expertise. This is your chance to impress them with what you can do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on explaining complex concepts simply, as you'll need to communicate with both technical and non-technical teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and contributing to innovative projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Digital Vehicle Test Engineer (KTP Associate) in Cranfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your programming skills and any experience with AI or data-driven projects. We want to see how your background in STEM can contribute to the development of the Virtual Testing Assistant!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. Tailor them to reflect the specific requirements of the KTP Associate role. Mention your familiarity with ontologies, knowledge graphs, and any relevant tools you've used.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranfield University
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your programming skills, especially in Python. Be ready to discuss your experience with machine learning, data modelling, and any relevant projects you've worked on. This role is all about integrating advanced AI tools, so showing your familiarity with ontologies and knowledge graphs will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical abilities. Think of specific examples where you've tackled complex engineering challenges using systems thinking. Being able to articulate how you approached these problems will highlight your fit for the role.
✨Understand the Collaboration Aspect
Since this role involves working closely with teams from Nissan and Cranfield University, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully communicated across different teams or disciplines, as this will show you're adaptable and a team player.
✨Research the Companies
Take some time to learn about both Nissan Technical Centre Europe and Cranfield University. Understanding their goals, values, and recent projects will not only help you answer questions but also allow you to ask insightful ones. This shows genuine interest and preparation, which can set you apart from other candidates.
