Overview

There has never been a better time to make a splash in wastewater innovation. Are you a research engineer or scientist eager to work on nationally relevant projects that meet the future challenges of the water industry? This is an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) at Thames Water.

What you will be doing as a Research Engineer/Scientist

• Research, Development and Innovation as the primary focus of the role.
• Provide an innovative outlook and a natural curiosity for wastewater treatment technologies and solutions.
• Scan for new technologies or strategies to solve significant challenges in the water sector.
• Initiate and contribute to RD&I projects, delivering significant technical input.
• Design, plan, implement, and monitor activities to ensure smooth operation and high-quality outputs.
• Analyze data (preferably using Python, MATLAB or similar) and log information to produce robust results, conclusions, and recommendations for business strategy and beyond.
• Write, structure, and review high-quality technical reports for communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in and present project outputs at internal and external meetings.
• Develop excellent working relationships with internal clients, external contractors/suppliers, and research organisations.
• Promote RD&I to customers and stakeholders to increase project visibility.

This is a hybrid role based at Reading Sewage Treatment Works. Depending on project requirements, the successful candidate should attend the office and other Thames Water sites.

Hours: 36 per week, Monday to Friday. Must have a valid UK driving licence.

What you should bring to the role

The essential criteria to help you succeed in this role are:

• Graduate in science, engineering or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Significant industry experience in a related discipline.
• Have relevant technical knowledge of the industry, such as utilities.
• Good practical skills relevant to the operation and maintenance of pilot plants.
• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary between £40,000 to £47,000 per annum.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Contributory pension - Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% - 2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments - Open to all once a year.
• A wider benefits scheme, including our benefits hub, with offers to save money and support wellbeing.
• Contribution to becoming chartered as an engineer or scientist through your chosen institution.

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. 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 need passionate and skilled people committed to making a difference.

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. As part of our family, you'll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you're seeking a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of lives while helping protect the world of water for future generations, we'll 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 a 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.