Closing Date
01/09/2025
Job Title: Machine Learning & Simulation Modelling Specialist
Location: Falmer, Brighton
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Circa £65,000 per annum depending on skills and experience
Team: Operational Planning & Improvement (Wastewater)
Reporting to: Technical Improvement Manager
Join Us to Shape the Future of Predictive Wastewater Intelligence
Are you passionate about using AI and machine learning to solve real-world environmental and operational challenges? Do you want to work on projects that directly reduce pollution, predict failures, and improve the performance of wastewater systems?
Southern Water is seeking a
Machine Learning & Simulation Modelling Specialist to join our
Operational Planning & Improvement (OP&I) team. In this high-impact role, you’ll develop
predictive models, digital twins, and simulation tools to help forecast asset failures, optimise treatment processes, and drive smarter, data-led decision-making.
Working closely with engineers, ICA specialists, planners, and our central data team, you’ll help transform sparse and real-time data into actionable insight that supports field operations and enhances regulatory compliance.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Build and deploy machine learning models to forecast pollution events and asset failures.
- Develop and apply digital twins and simulation models to evaluate optimisation strategies.
- Design data pipelines and integrate datasets from SCADA, telemetry, sensor networks, and operational systems.
- Convert model outputs into practical dashboards, alerts, and planning tools for engineers and field teams.
- Work cross-functionally to embed AI models into daily workflows and planning decisions.
- Use low-data ML techniques to extract insight from poorly instrumented or sparse datasets.
- Contribute to major improvement initiatives targeting compliance, resilience, and performance.
- Champion innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across OP&I and beyond.
What We’re Looking For
Skills & Competencies
- Practical experience applying machine learning and simulation modelling in an operational or industrial setting.
- Skilled communicator with the ability to explain complex technical ideas clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Highly collaborative and comfortable working across teams (engineering, ICA, digital, data).
- Confident in Python, SQL, and ML frameworks like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in agile, fast-paced environments.
- Able to manage time-series data and deliver scalable, robust ML models.
What You’ll Need
Essential Knowledge & Qualifications
- Proven experience developing ML models for predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, or operational optimisation.
- Hands-on experience with digital twins or simulation modelling tools.
- Background in SCADA, telemetry, or sensor-based data processing.
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as Data Science, Engineering, Environmental Modelling.
- Familiarity with cloud-based platforms like Azure, AWS, or GCP.
- Awareness of environmental regulations, permit compliance, and ethical AI principles.
Desirable
- Experience working in the wastewater or utilities sector.
- Knowledge of modelling tools like SIMBA or BioWin.
- Understanding of data ethics, model transparency, and responsible AI use.
Why Join Southern Water?
- Be part of a growing team at the heart of our digital transformation journey.
- Work on meaningful projects that protect the environment and improve service delivery.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to innovation in utility operations.
- Enjoy flexible working, training and development support, and opportunities for career growth.
