Machine Learning & Simulation Modelling Specialist

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.