We are seeking an innovative R&D Engineer in Hydrogen Systems to join the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the UK’s leading technology innovation centre for offshore wind, wave, and tidal energy. Based in Blyth, with flexibility for remote work, you’ll be part of a team driving the UK’s hydrogen ambitions.

In this role, you will contribute to cutting-edge research and development, focusing on integrating offshore renewable energy with hydrogen systems and energy storage. You’ll work on innovative solutions that enhance the UK’s clean energy transition, tackling challenges in renewable energy integration, storage, and grid efficiency.

Working closely with industry and academic partners, you’ll help shape hydrogen projects and explore emerging technologies in electrolysers and fuel cells. This role is key in supporting ORE Catapult’s mission to lead in renewable energy innovation while helping the UK meet its sustainability goals.

With access to world-class facilities and a network of experts, this position offers the chance to engage in impactful research, contribute to national energy projects, and drive innovation in hydrogen systems that will shape the future of the energy sector.

What will I do?

As part of this role, you will provide technical expertise in R&D activities related to hydrogen systems and energy storage. This includes leading the development, execution, and dissemination of relevant R&D projects. You will play a key role in delivering innovative solutions for integrating offshore renewables into the electrical grid, covering areas such as design, monitoring, and testing.

You will also develop engineering electro/chemical models of electrolysers and potentially fuel cell systems and/or battery energy systems, translating scientific outputs into practical engineering applications. Working closely with strategic leadership, you will help shape project details while proactively identifying future opportunities and making proposals on emerging technologies within the industry.

Additionally, you will support customer engagement and commercial business development activities related to the Hydrogen Systems Programme/Roadmap.

As an R&D Engineer, Hydrogen Systems your key responsibilities would be to:

Deliver high technical and scientific quality research and development in hydrogen systems, offshore wind-related and energy storage technologies
Bridge the gap between lab results and engineering models by developing electro-chemical models that can be used in electrical simulation models
Conduct R&D/technical activities, advisory and commercial project work
Develop and deliver a technology roadmap in the relevant topic areas
Publish high-quality research publications (i.e., journals, conference proceedings, etc.) and represent the company at technical and scientific forums and conferences
Develop innovative solutions for hydrogen systems in this context which may cover the design, modelling, monitoring, and testing of systems
Deliver, and contribute to, the formulation of national and international R&D projects
Provide technical expertise to commercial engineering and consultancy projects
Establish and maintain good technical relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and externally
Support relationships with universities, research establishments, industry and customers related to hydrogen systems
Engage with customers and support commercial business development activities
Ensure and maint

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated R&D Engineer with a strong background in electro-chemical modelling of electrolysers. The successful candidate will develop and optimise models to predict electrolyser performance under variable power input and assess degradation over time. This role is integral to advancing our research and innovation in green hydrogen systems and their integration with renewable energy sources.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop detailed electro-chemical models of electrolysers, focusing on performance prediction and degradation mechanisms under variable power inputs.
Conduct simulations using industry-recognised software tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, COMSOL) to support design and performance evaluation.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate electrolysers into renewable energy systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Prepare technical reports, research publications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Stay updated with emerging trends and advancements in electrolyser technologies and renewable energy integration.
Manage research projects, including setting objectives, timelines, and deliverables. To succeed in this role, you must have and be able to demonstrate the following:
A Master’s or PhD/EngD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., chemical engineering, electrochemistry, electrical energy, etc…) or equivalent research experience.
Extensive knowledge of electro-chemical systems, particularly electrolysers, including their design, operation, and degradation mechanisms.
Experience in modelling electrochemical systems using software such as MATLAB, Simulink, or COMSOL.
Familiarity with hydrogen systems, offshore renewable energy, and energy storage technologies.
Proven ability to manage and deliver R&D projects, with experience producing high-quality research reports, publications, or technical documents.
Understanding of industry standards and guidelines for hydrogen systems and their integration into energy systems.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in dealing with complex, variable requirements.
Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with experience engaging with senior management and external stakeholders.
Innovative thinking and a proactive approach to overcoming technical challenges.

Desirable Skills:

Practical experience in the technical design and development of hydrogen systems within commercial or R&D environments.
Knowledge or experience in developing electrochemical models of battery energy systems
Knowledge or experience in developing electrochemical models of fuel cell systems
Knowledge of energy system integration, particularly involving hydrogen as a medium for energy storage and conversion.

Location

This role can be based at any of Blyth site with remote working possible. Travel to Blyth and other sites would be required as part of this role.

What do we offer?

Salary up to £42,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Flexibility to work at home or in the office
38 days holidays including flexible bank holidays and the option to buy 5 days extra
Pension, annual bonus, life assurance and health care scheme as standard
Equal Opportunities Policy
Electric vehicle and bike2work salary sacrifice schemes
Open working environment with great potential for career progression and options for Learning and Development
Access to Mental Health First Aiders and a range of diversity groups and networks, including Inclusion and Diversity, STEM and LGBTQ+
Refer a Friend scheme paying £1500

ORE Catapult values diversity and inclusion, recognising that varied perspectives are essential for innovation and success. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those with protected characteristics such as gender, sexual orientation, and race.

We also understand that some candidates may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criterion. If you believe you have the skills to succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications.

As a disability-confident committed employer, we are committed to equality and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria.

If you require a larger print version of this notice or need to discuss access needs or reasonable adjustments, please contact: people@ore.catapult.org.uk

The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult was established in 2013 by the UK Government and is one of a network of Catapults set up by Innovate UK in high growth industries. It is the UK’s leading innovation centre for offshore renewable energy.

ORE Catapult is overseen by an independent Board of Non-Executive Directors and an Executive Management Team.

Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult

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R&D Engineer - Hydrogen Systems