Born in the white heat of Formula 1, PurpleSector is an engineering-led, data-driven consultancy that solves complex, high-value challenges.
With a team of over 60 engineers and data scientists, we use race-derived tools, technologies and techniques to uncover critical insights, prototype and validate solutions, and embed lasting performance improvements. Our mission is to decode complexity, unlock efficiency, and deliver measurable results at race pace - turning challenges into performance gains in weeks, not months.
Role Overview
We are looking for an early-career engineer who is excited by using computer vision and AI to solve real-world industrial problems. You will help develop our non-normal event detection capability, turning captured images, video and sensor data into practical tools that reveal defects, unusual behaviour and opportunities to improve performance.
Fast experimentation and working prototypes over lengthy theoretical studies
Careful capture, labelling and validation of real-world data
Close collaboration with instrumentation, software and data science engineers
A Formula 1 mindset: curiosity, precision, pace and continuous improvement
This role suits someone who wants to learn quickly, build useful tools and see their work tested in real operating environments.
Location: Hybrid (ability to work at our Head Office in Thursley, Surrey and travel to client sites when required).
Key Responsibilities:
Rapidly prototype computer vision tools and applications in Python
Use, test and help develop PurpleSector's non-normal event detection algorithms
Work alongside instrumentation engineers to define and capture useful image, video and sensor data
Label, categorise and correlate behaviours such as manufacturing defects, process changes and equipment events
Develop and evaluate computer vision and AI approaches using representative real-world datasets
Turn successful experiments into clear, repeatable demonstrations and usable applications
Support trials at PurpleSector and client sites, including equipment setup, data capture and results validation
Document methods and findings clearly, and contribute reusable code and learning to the wider team
General Requirements:
Studying towards a degree in computer science, engineering, data science, mathematics or a related subject
Comfortable using Python and keen to develop high-quality, maintainable code
A practical foundation in computer vision, image processing, machine learning or AI
Curious and experimental, with the confidence to test ideas and learn from imperfect real-world data
Able to communicate clearly and work effectively across software, data and hardware disciplines
Flexible to travel to client sites in the UK and Europe; an interest in motorsport is desirable
Employee Benefits (subject to contract eligibility):
25 days' holiday (pro-rated for part time employees)
Pension (4% employee, 5% employer)
Life insurance x 4 of salary
Healthcare (after 6 month probation)
Income Protection (after 6 month probation)
Employee Assistance Scheme
Up to 10% discretionary annual bonus (based on individual/company performance)
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