Research Scientist/Engineer

Here's a unique opportunity! We're seeking a Research Scientist or engineer to lend their expertise to the Ofwat Innovation Funded projects on No-Dig Leak Repair and Pipebots for rising mains. This role calls for a versatile engineer or scientist who's ready to delve into water and waste network innovation, foster cross-company collaboration, and enhance utility communications. Your projects will involve robotics building and testing as part of a multi-skilled approach to innovative engineering.

What you’ll be doing as a Research Scientist/Engineer

• As a Research Scientist/Engineer, you'll lead research project activities and make significant technical contributions to others. Your role will involve designing, organising, implementing, and monitoring research activities to ensure their smooth operation and successful completion.
• Evaluating data and information to produce sound results, conclusions, and recommendations for business strategy. Produce and peer review high-quality technical output documents relating to the research for Innovation's internal use, business managers, and external communication.
• Develop working relationships with internal clients, external contractors, and research organisations by participating in and presenting research outputs in internal and external meetings with customers and stakeholders to build awareness of Innovation activities and outputs.

Base location: Hybrid - Reading (STW) - RG2 0RP

Working pattern or hours: 36 hours, Mon-Fri

Necessary requirements for the role: Must have a valid UK driving license as there will be occasional travel to other sites across the Thames Water patch.

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:

• Be a graduate in science, engineering or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Good practical skills relevant to the operation and maintenance of test facilities and field trials.
• Relevant technical experience, such as in the water industry.
• Very good communication and technical reporting skills.
• Fully competent at using the appropriate company IT systems and office software.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £41,000 to £51,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays).
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team
Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.