ORE Catapult’s vision is to be a leading international institution for innovative technology solutions in renewable energy and related sectors. We are currently seeking a Research and Development Engineer to help us maintain our role as a centre of excellence by delivering high-quality technical outputs across a range of innovation projects — including, but not limited to, rotating machinery and drivetrain systems.
We are looking for a dedicated engineering professional to contribute to the design, analysis, and testing of advanced technologies, with a strong emphasis on mechanical systems such as rotating machinery and supporting structures of drivetrain. This role also supports wider innovation activities across mechanical, structural, electrical, and systems engineering, as well as commercial and knowledge-transfer initiatives.
What will I do?
As a Research and Development Engineer, you will play a key role in delivering R&D and consultancy projects that span a range of engineering domains, with a particular focus on rotating machinery and associated structures/systems.
Working within a flexible matrix structure, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and subject matter experts to deliver impactful and technically sound project outcomes. You’ll report to a technical team lead and work cross-functionally with other departments at ORE Catapult.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Acting as a key contributor in areas such as rotating machinery, drivetrain systems, mechanical structures, and/or broader system-level engineering challenges.
* Conducting R&D, testing, and consultancy activities within both publicly and commercially funded projects.
* Supporting design, modelling, and analysis tasks related to mechanical and electromechanical systems, including shafts, bearings, geartrain, couplings, and supporting structures.
* Providing technical input into collaborative research projects, from early-stage concept development through to validation and demonstration.
* Supporting the development and delivery of national and international R&D proposals and funding bids.
* Ensuring high-quality technical and scientific deliverables.
You will also:
* Use tools such as CAD, FEA, and dynamic simulation to support engineering design and analysis.
* Apply your understanding of rotating machinery and mechanical structures — including performance, reliability, and system integration — to real-world innovation challenges.
* Contribute to the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary R&D programmes.
* Support the growth of in-house engineering capabilities and infrastructure.
* Help translate complex technical findings into actionable insights for industry partners and stakeholders.
What are we looking for?
To succeed in this role, candidates should have and be able to demonstrate:
* A degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, applied physics, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline.
* Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MSc or PhD) are desirable but not essential.
* 2+ years of experience in relevant technical roles — particularly in rotating machinery, drivetrain and mechanical structure design/analysis, or industrial R&D.
* Proficiency in engineering tools and languages such as CAD, FEA, MATLAB, Python, or similar.
* Understanding of systems such as bearings, shafts, gears, cooling systems, and structural supports.
* Experience in R&D or product development environments, preferably in the energy, transport, or industrial sectors.
* Familiarity with engineering standards (e.g., IEC 61400 or similar) is beneficial.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
* A proactive, innovative mindset and a desire to work at the cutting edge of engineering.
Location
This role can be based at any of our ORE Catapult locations across the UK; however, travel to Blyth would be required regularly. A full list of our sites can be found here.
What do we offer?
* Salary up to £40,400 per annum, dependent on experience.
* Flexibility to work at home or in the office.
* 38 days holidays including flexible bank holidays and the option to buy 5 days extra.
* Pension, annual bonus, life assurance, and health care scheme as standard.
* Equal Opportunities Policy.
* Electric vehicle and bike2work salary sacrifice schemes.
* Open working environment with great potential for career progression and options for Learning and Development.
* Access to Mental Health First Aiders and a range of diversity groups and networks, including Inclusion and Diversity, STEM, and LGBTQ+.
* Refer a Friend scheme paying £1500.
ORE Catapult values diversity and inclusion, recognising that varied perspectives are essential for innovation and success. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those with protected characteristics such as gender, sexual orientation, and race.
We also understand that some candidates may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criterion. If you believe you have the skills to succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the listed qualifications.
As a disability-confident committed employer, we are committed to equality and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria.
If you require a larger print version of this notice or need to discuss access needs or reasonable adjustments, please contact: people@ore.catapult.org.uk
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