Research Engineer – Connectivity & Smart Devices

Description

The company is an energy business made up of several brands, with 21,000 colleagues. Its goal is an energy system that does not depend on fossil fuels, and it makes, stores, moves, sells and repairs energy.

Energised Futures is the company's in-house science, research and innovation incubator. Its researchers work across flexibility, automation, connectivity, markets, engagement and access, supported by a team that publishes and promotes research and builds links with research institutions and energy innovators.

The team has been based in Antwerp and London since 2024 and is still growing. New joiners can help shape how the team works and what it proposes to the wider organisation and industry.

This role looks at how connected devices, communication protocols and interoperability standards can support the energy transition. You will work with researchers, architects, software engineers, technicians and external partners to turn new technologies into experiments, demonstrators and clear technical recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Study new connectivity technologies, communication protocols and interoperability standards
• Design and run technical experiments that test performance, reliability, scalability, security and fitness for energy use
• Turn experimental results into clear recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Build proof-of-concept systems using Raspberry Pi, embedded Linux, microcontrollers, edge gateways and smart energy devices
• Write software for device communication, protocol integration, device simulation, data acquisition and automated testing
• Connect physical devices to edge and cloud platforms to show complete energy use cases
• Examine how mixed devices and platforms can communicate securely and consistently
• Assess IoT and energy protocols including MQTT, CoAP, Modbus, Matter, Thread, OCPP, OpenADR, EEBUS, DLMS/COSEM and IEC 61850
• Help write reference architectures, interface definitions, test approaches and reusable research assets
• Work with multidisciplinary teams across Energised Futures and the wider company
• Collaborate with universities, technology companies, research organisations and standards bodies
• Write technical reports, research papers, presentations and demonstrator documentation
• Take part in publications, conferences and industry engagement where suitable

Requirements

• A curious, practical engineer with solid knowledge of networking, programming and connected devices, who wants to apply these skills to the energy transition
• Good understanding of computer networking and Internet protocols
• Programming skills in Python, Rust, C/C++ or another relevant systems or embedded language
• Hands-on work with Raspberry Pi, embedded Linux, microcontrollers or similar platforms
• Knowledge of device communication protocols and integration patterns
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware, software and connectivity faults
• Understanding of cybersecurity for connected devices
• Experience running structured technical investigations or experimental engineering work
• Ability to explain technical findings clearly in reports, presentations and demonstrations
• Interest in smart energy devices, distributed energy resources, flexibility and the digitalisation of energy systems
• Experience with EV chargers, heat pumps, smart meters, battery systems, solar inverters or home energy management technologies
• Knowledge of energy-sector interoperability standards such as OCPP, OpenADR, EEBUS, SAREF, IEC 61850, IEEE 2030.5 or similar
• Knowledge of AWS or Azure IoT and edge computing services
• Experience working with external research partners, standards organisations or collaborative innovation programmes
• Publications, patents, conference presentations or open-source contributions
• A degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Embedded Systems, Energy Systems or a related subject, or equivalent professional experience
• A relevant Master's degree is desirable but not essential
• A relevant PhD is advantageous but not mandatory; equivalent industrial research, product development or experimental engineering experience is valued equally

Conditions

The role is UK-based with flexible location, with travel as required to the Reading and Leicester hubs

Hybrid working pattern

The company welcomes people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives

Benefits

• A salary and compensation package matched to your skills and experience
• Additional benefits that vary by hiring location
• Work with smart energy devices, advanced connectivity technologies and experimental test environments
• Opportunities to publish research, attend conferences and work with academic and industry partners
• A high-calibre multidisciplinary team where your technical and creative input can make a visible difference
• A chance to help build a greener, fairer energy future
• Total rewards that let you choose what you need and when, with support for your finances, physical health and emotional wellbeing, and that of your family