At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build innovative hydraulic systems for cutting-edge heat pump technology.
- Company: Join Octopus Energy's dynamic R&D team in Slough.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, autonomy, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Hands-on role with excellent career growth opportunities in a well-equipped facility.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of sustainable technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and 5 years' relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Slough (GB)Octopus Centre for Heating Technology – Research & Development /Full-time /On-site Octopus Energy's R&D team in Slough is developing the next generation of heat pump systems and hydraulic products that surround them.
We're looking for a hands-on R&D Engineer to join the team on a full time basis to help design, build, test and iterate hardware that works alongside heat pumps.
This is a practical, workshop-floor role as much as a design one.
You won't just specify components - you'll be plumbing rigs, commissioning systems, instrumenting test loops and getting real data out of real hardware.
We need someone who is equally comfortable with a CAD model, a P&ID and a pipe wrench.
What you'll do Design, build and commission hydraulic test rigs and prototype products that integrate with heat pumps (buffer tanks, hot water cylinders, heat exchangers, circulation and modulation hardware, and similar).
Carry out hands-on assembly and plumbing of water-side and refrigerant-adjacent systems - pipework, fittings, pumps, valves, sensors and controls.
Instrument rigs with temperature, flow and pressure measurement, and run structured test campaigns to characterise both systems and components performance.
Diagnose and troubleshoot hydraulic, thermal and mechanical issues on live systems, and feed findings back into the design.
Work closely with the wider R&D team to iterate designs quickly, balancing performance, cost, manufacturability and serviceability.
Essential requirements Degree in Mechanical Engineering (or a closely related discipline).
Minimum 5 years' relevant experience in an R&D, product development or test environment.
Demonstrable heat pump knowledge - you understand how heat pumps work, their operating envelopes, and how the hydraulic system around them behaves (flow, temperature, ΔT, defrost, modulation, etc.).
Experience working with hydraulic systems - pumps, valves, heat exchangers, tanks, pipework and the behaviour of water-side circuits.
Comfortable instrumenting rigs and interpreting test data to draw engineering conclusions. CAD proficiency for designing rig components and prototype parts.
Desirable Experience developing products specifically intended to operate with heat pumps (buffer tanks, hot water cylinders, DHW modules, hydraulic interface units, etc.).
Thermal/fluids analysis skills (thermodynamic modelling, or sizing calculations) to support design decisions.
Experience in setting up, running, and interpreting FEA (structural/thermal) and CFD analyses on complex systems.
Relevant trade or industry qualifications (e. g. plumbing, F-Gas, G3 unvented hot water) - not required but valued.
A genuinely hands-on R&D role at the leading edge of UK heat pump accessory product development.
A well-equipped facility and the freedom to build and test real hardware.
A collaborative team that moves fast and values practical engineering judgement.
Competitive contract day rate, commensurate with experience.
Where people work with autonomy, alongside a wide range of amazing co-owners, on projects that break new ground.
Visit our perks hub - Octopus Employee Benefits If this sounds like you then we'd love to hear from you.
Need any specific accommodations?
Whether you require specific accommodations or have a unique preference, let us know, and we'll do what we can to customise your interview process for comfort and maximum magic!
Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements.
Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success.
Where necessary, we sometimes use AI tools to help with parts of our hiring process, like reviewing applications or assessing responses.
We're lucky to receive a huge amount of interest, so these tools help our recruiters manage that volume, not replace them.
Ultimately, every hiring decision (for example, whether to progress your application or not) is always made by a real person in our Talent team.
If you'd like to know more about how we use your data, you can reach out to us via email at [email protected]. We're happy to help!
Mechanical Engineer / Solidworks Engineer in Princes Risborough employer: Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a commitment to sustainability, making it a rewarding place to contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying a supportive team environment in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineer / Solidworks Engineer in Princes Risborough
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Octopus Energy.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Octopus Energy love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Octopus Energy and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineer / Solidworks Engineer in Princes Risborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Octopus Energy and the Mechanical Engineer / Solidworks Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octopus Energy
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Octopus Energy.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Octopus Energy.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Octopus Energy, making you a more appealing candidate.
