Master Thesis: Machine Learning on Field Test Data
Göteborg, SE, 417 15
Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future? If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.
Thesis Background
Volvo Penta has a vested interest in utilizing and understanding vast amounts of data. As Martin Lundstedt (Volvo Group President and CEO) recounts, “It’s important to have good data management and ownership [of data], because then on top, you can create a lot of smart solutions.”
To that end, we at Volvo Penta Data Science & Engineering (VPDS&E) have applied data engineering principles to build a large-scale data lake. This has enabled us to create a data-driven and cloud-native workflow for advanced analytics using Microsoft Azure and Databricks. Along with our data-driven workflow, data engineering and analytics have enabled us to reach valuable strategic conclusions and optimizations.
During this endeavor, technologies such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), evolutionary algorithms, semantic segmentation, and various clustering techniques have become core components of our current workspace. The most recent thesis project at VPDS&E applied feature engineering and machine learning for automatic detection and semantic segmentation of engine drive cycles.
We at VPDS&E are now committed to taking the next step in our advanced analytics journey!
What you will do?
We are looking for two master students who wants to write their thesis at Volvo Penta from September 2025. The purpose with the thesis is to study real world engine usage data to further our understanding of engine behavior and applications. Thanks to the wealth of data collected by the field test department, we see multiple different projects. We will present the outline for a project, but welcome applicants to come with their own ideas and suggestions.
The thesis will focus on analyzing engine driving behavior by utilizing time series analysis techniques, including pattern recognition, on time-resolved engine signals. The main objective is to uncover the various driving patterns and behaviors demonstrated by our engine population.
Key questions to investigate include;
- What are the most common and unique driving patterns observed across one or more engines?
- What clusters can be identified within the extracted patterns?
From Volvo Penta’s perspective, this research represents a significant opportunity to enhance our products by developing more targeted tools that correlate specific driving patterns with various types of errors.
What we use: Tools and Technologies in our daily operations
In our daily operations, we rely on a diverse set of tools and technologies to manage and process data effectively.
Python is central to our scripting and automation tasks. We utilize a variety of Azure services, including DevOps for continuous integration, Data Factory for data integration, Functions for serverless computing, Cosmos DB for global data storage, SQL Server for relational databases, and Synapse for data analytics. SQL plays a critical role in querying and managing our databases, while Databricks enables collaborative analytics. Apache Spark (PySpark) allows us to process large datasets efficiently, and Power BI is our go-to tool for creating data visualizations and business intelligence.
These tools are key to supporting our operations and driving data-driven decisions every day.
Qualifications for the Master Thesis
We’re looking for curious, driven, and forward-thinking master’s students with a genuine interest in data science. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic about solving real-world problems, eager to explore new technologies, and capable of inspiring others through their innovative mindset. To qualify for this thesis role you should also:
- Be a master student in any of the following fields or related disciplines
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Machine Learning
- Physics
- Have knowledge of machine learning algorithms and big data
- Have some programming proficiency
Ready for your next move?
The journey begins! Once you have submitted your Resume, Personal letter and Transcript of records, an email confirmation will be sent to you. The hiring team will review your application together with the hiring manager and shortlisted candidates will be contacted with information about the following steps.
Are you excited to bring your skills and disruptive ideas to the table? We can’t wait to hear from you. Apply today!
We review applications continuously, but the last application date is June 8th
Do you have any questions about the role? Feel free to reach out to our manager Andreas!
Andreas Nyman, Manager Data Science & Engineering, andreas.nyman@volvo.com
We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail.
Who we are and what we believe in
Our focus on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity allows each of us the opportunity to bring our full authentic self to work and thrive by providing a safe and supportive environment, free of harassment and discrimination. We are committed to removing the barriers to entry, which is why we ask that even if you feel you may not meet every qualification on the job description, please apply and let us decide.
Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, across the globe, our trucks, buses, engines, construction equipment, financial services, and solutions make modern life possible. We are almost 100,000 people empowered to shape the future landscape of efficient, safe and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents with sharp minds and passion across the group’s leading brands and entities.
Volvo Penta, a world-leading supplier of engines and complete drive systems for marine and industrial applications, you will be part of a global and diverse team of highly skilled professionals who works with passion, trust each other and embraces change to stay ahead. We make our customers win.