Research Engineer
About The Position
The Research Engineer plays a critical role in advancing distributed intelligence solutions that connect utility infrastructure to the digital world. This position supports the design, development, and operation of research laboratory systems used to create, test, and validate distributed intelligence algorithms and applications deployed across Itron’s GenX Riva AMI network—one of the world’s largest, multi‑million‑node distributed computing platforms serving electric utilities globally. Working as part of Itron’s Distributed Intelligence team, the Research Engineer collaborates with a global, cross‑functional group of engineers and scientists to turn complex data into actionable insight, enabling utilities to operate more efficiently, reliably, and sustainably in an increasingly connected energy ecosystem.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
- Strong technical and theoretical understanding of electrical engineering and power system fundamentals
- Professional, authentic workplace communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines
- Proven ability to solve complex problems, ask thoughtful questions, and take accountability for outcomes
- Strong mathematics and analytical skills
- Foundational proficiency with scripting and programming languages such as MATLAB, C/C++, C#, and Python
- Hands‑on experience with oscilloscopes, power analyzers, DAQ systems, multimeters, and other electrical test equipment
- Familiarity with medium‑voltage components (e.g., switchgear, breakers, transformers) and mains‑voltage electrical systems
- Ability to work on location in Santa Barbara, CA, in a laboratory environment supporting critical research systems
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
- Related professional or research experience in power systems, distributed systems, or utilities
- Advanced proficiency in Python and/or C#
- Knowledge of fundamental electrical safety practices, including lockout/tagout, PPE, and arc‑flash basics
- Experience working with ARM‑based systems
- Direct laboratory or field experience handling medium‑voltage components and performing work on mains‑voltage electrical infrastructure
Responsibilities
- Collaborate in a customer‑centric and globally distributed team of engineers, scientists, and mathematicians to invent, design, evaluate, and test distributed intelligence applications for electric utility customers
- Design and implement electric grid simulation use cases, supporting innovative research and real‑world utility performance needs
- Contribute to software design and development in support of distributed algorithms and analytics
- Support firmware configuration and integration for laboratory and networked systems
- Perform component troubleshooting, maintenance, and system validation in an accountable and safety‑focused manner
- Analyze power system voltage behavior and power flow, translating results into meaningful insights
- Assist with the design, analysis, and testing of distributed algorithms operating at scale across AMI networks
- Work effectively in a controlled, access‑restricted laboratory environment, following all electrical and laboratory safety protocols
- Demonstrate an agile and innovative mindset, adapting to evolving research priorities and emerging technologies in the Utilities & Energy sector
Benefits
- Competitive benefit package
- Financial programs
- Social programs
- Health and wellbeing programs
- Paid vacation
- 401k matching
- Employee stock purchase program
- Hybrid work schedule
- Annual bonus program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
