Birmingham City University: Job Opportunity for AI and Digital Systems Engineer (KTP Associate)
Birmingham City University seeks to recruit a highly skilled and motivated graduate to join as an AI and Digital Systems Engineer (KTP Associate). This role is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with leading academics from Birmingham City University and apply cutting-edge knowledge and innovative technologies in a real-world setting. The position will be based onsite with HB Tunnelling Limited and forms part of an exciting Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project supported by Innovate UK.
The KTP programme is a unique collaboration between academia and industry, aiming to deliver mutual benefits to the university, the company, and the successful candidate. For more information about the KTP programme, visit https://iuk-ktp.org.uk/.
The successful candidate will benefit from a personal development fund of £4,667 to enhance their skills throughout the project.
Location and Employment Details
- Employer: Birmingham City University
- Workplace: HB Tunnelling Limited, Unit 1 High Premier Industrial Estate, Belton Road, Sandtoft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX
- Duration: 28 months (KTP Project)
- Collaboration Partners: Birmingham City University and HB Tunnelling Limited
You will be employed by Birmingham City University but will be based full-time onsite at HB Tunnelling Limited, where you will lead the delivery of the KTP project. You will also have access to university resources such as offices, labs, and libraries to successfully deliver project objectives.
Company Overview: HB Tunnelling Limited
HB Tunnelling Limited (HBT) is a UK-based specialist contractor in trenchless tunnelling and stormwater infrastructure. Its expertise includes micro-tunnelling, pipe jacking, and underground stormwater management, operating in a £1.2 billion market. As part of its commitment to enhancing competitiveness, HBT is investing in digital innovation to tackle complex underground construction projects. Learn more at www.hbtunnelling.co.uk.
Responsibilities of the AI and Digital Systems Engineer (KTP Associate)
In this role, you will spearhead the development of innovative AI and digital systems tailored to HB Tunnelling Limited’s operations. Key responsibilities include:
- AI & Tender Intelligence Development:
– Implement AI-powered tools for automated tender analysis, document processing, and project opportunity scoring using large language models (LLMs).
- Automated Bills of Quantities (BoQ) Workflow:
– Streamline generation of BoQs by integrating tender documents with historical project data and engineering calculations.
- IoT Data Systems:
– Design and deploy IoT data pipelines to capture, process, and visualise real-time site data from wireless monitoring sensors.
- Digital Twin for Tunnelling (DT4T):
– Develop a unified digital platform that consolidates tendering, estimating, and site monitoring capabilities into a single operational environment.
- Systems Integration:
– Ensure seamless integration of the DT4T platform with the company’s existing systems, workflows, and data sources.
- User Testing and Refinement:
– Conduct hands-on testing and user feedback sessions to optimise the platform for practical adoption by HB Tunnelling’s teams.
- Knowledge Dissemination:
– Produce technical documentation, training resources, and knowledge transfer frameworks to embed sustainable practices within the organisation.
- Academic Outputs:
– Contribute to research outputs, reports, and presentations that bridge industry practice and academic insights.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
- A minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Strong proficiency in Python for data processing, automation, and API integration.
- Demonstrated experience in implementing AI tools and large language models (LLMs) for document analysis or NLP.
- Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS) for application hosting and data management.
- Sound knowledge of database design and management of structured/unstructured data.
- Excellent communication skills to present complex ideas clearly across interdisciplinary teams.
- Ability to effectively manage time, meet tight deadlines, and maintain high work standards.
- Strong leadership skills to successfully drive and embed innovation within a business.
Desirable:
- A master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field (e.g., AI, Data Science, Construction Informatics).
- Experience with IoT data protocols and time-series data (e.g., MQTT, LoRaWAN).
- Knowledge of digital twin concepts, BIM, and asset lifecycle management.
- Proficiency in tools for data visualisation and dashboards (e.g., Power BI, Grafana).
- Familiarity with construction workflows (e.g., BoQs, tendering, or site monitoring).
- Academic experience, such as research publications or presenting at conferences.
- UK driving licence, with willingness to travel for work-related purposes.
Additional Information
The KTP Associate will be supported by:
- University Supervisors & Mentors: From the School of Architecture, Built Environment, Computing, and Engineering.
- Company Supervisor: To provide on-site support and guidance throughout the project.
Birmingham City University is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and supporting equality, diversity, and academic freedom. We continuously strive to enhance our policies and promote collaboration that empowers employees to achieve their full potential.
To apply or request further details, please contact:
- Dr Saeed Talebi: [email protected]
- Dr Waldo Cervantes: [email protected]
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Employment Terms
The successful candidate will typically be employed through Birmingham City University’s subsidiary, BCU Support Services Limited. However, appointees with prior LGPS membership will have the option of being employed directly by the University to continue LGPS participation.
Your Career Opportunity
This role provides a rare chance to make a tangible impact in a vibrant, technology-driven engineering environment while developing cutting-edge skills and contributing to both academic and industry advancements