There has never been a better time to be part of our water future! Are you a senior research engineer or scientist eager to cut your teeth on nationally recognised projects that transform the energy balance of wastewater treatment and help achieve Net-Zero? Are you also curious about contributing to Ofwat Innovation Fund Projects focusing on wastewater? Then, read on. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and innovative senior engineer or scientist to push the boundaries of

Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) at Thames Water.

What you will be doing as a Senior Research Engineer/Scientist

  • First and foremost, Research, Development and Innovation!
  • Leading project-related activities, while providing novel solutions to the challenges the water sector faces in the UK and beyond.
  • Providing an innovative outlook and a natural curiosity for wastewater treatment technologies and solutions.
  • Scanning the horizon for new technologies or strategies for solving some of the most significant challenges in the water sector.
  • Getting Research, Development, and Innovation projects off the ground while making significant technical contributions to others.
  • Leading the design, planning, implementing, and monitoring activities to ensure smooth operation and high-quality outputs.
  • Analysing data (preferably using Python, MATLAB or similar) and logging information to produce robust results, conclusions, and recommendations for business strategy and beyond.
  • Writing, structuring and reviewing high-quality technical reports for communication with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Participating in and presenting project outputs at internal and external meetings.
  • Developing excellent working relationships with internal clients, external contractors/suppliers, and research organisations
  • Promoting Research, Development and Innovation to customers and stakeholders to make our projects visible.

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

36 hours a week, Monday to Friday.

Must have a valid UK driving licence.

What you should bring to the role

  • Graduate in science, engineering or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
  • Industrial 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 £47,680 - 60,000 per annum.
  • 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the 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, is packed with offers and information to save you money and support your well-being.
  • 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 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 fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, 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.       

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, 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.