The Research Engineer will design and implement algorithms and applications for utility infrastructure, analyze power system behavior, and support firmware integration and troubleshooting.
Itron 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
- 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
- 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
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.
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Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for!
The successful candidate's starting wage will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.
Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email [email protected].
Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live. Join us as we create a more resourceful world: www.itron.com
Itron San Jose, California, USA Office
230 W. Tasman Drive, San Jose, United States, 95134
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