Research Engineer

## Research EngineerApplyremote type: Onsitelocations: United States of America, California, San Josetime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR102276Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us.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.## Duties & 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## Required Skills & Experience* 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## Preferred Skills & Experience* 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## Benefits Info:This position also includes a competitive benefit package including; financial, social, health and wellbeing programs, paid vacation, 401k matching, employee stock purchase program, hybrid work schedule, and more!The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience and may vary by location. The base salary is $60,000-115,000 annually. This position is eligible for our annual bonus program. #J-18808-Ljbffr