Graduate Hardware Engineer

targetjobs UK; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Octopus Energy Group is seeking a Graduate Hardware Engineer to join our small but focused Hardware Development team in the UK. You’ll work across the full hardware lifecycle, bringing EV chargers and smart energy hardware to life for thousands of homes.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in testing, prototyping, validation, and safety-critical certification work, collaborating with firmware, software, and product teams across internal and external partners within the Octopus ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with a BSc or BEng in Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
• Strong communication skills to discuss technical concepts with peers and business areas.
• Willingness to tackle varied tasks across hardware lifecycle.
• Comfortable working with mains voltages and a strict approach to electrical safety.

Responsibilities

• Assist end-to-end specification and development of EV chargers and smart energy hardware.
• Conduct hands-on testing, prototyping, and validation of hardware components.
• Support certification readiness and regulatory documentation.
• Investigate hardware issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with firmware/software, product teams and external partners to integrate hardware into the Octopus ecosystem.

Skills

Excellent communication

Adaptability

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

BSc/BEng in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Tools

Circuit design fundamentals

Job description

We are looking for a motivated Graduate Hardware Engineer to join our small but highly focused Hardware Development team. You will experience the full spectrum of the hardware lifecycle, making a tangible impact on products that deploy directly into thousands of homes.

Responsibilities

You’ll play a hands‑on role in bringing our next generation of Electric Vehicle (EV) and smart energy hardware to life. This position is perfect for an adaptable, enthusiastic graduate who enjoys tackling a wide variety of tasks and thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment.

What You Will Do

• Hardware Development: Assist in the end-to-end specification and development engineering of EV chargers and other innovative smart energy hardware.
• Testing & Validation: Conduct rigorous hands‑on testing, prototyping, and validation of hardware components to ensure safety, reliability, and performance.
• Certification Support: Assist the team in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, preparing documentation and hardware for crucial industry certifications and compliance standards.
• Problem Solving: Actively investigate hardware issues and perform root‑cause analysis to resolve technical challenges.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with firmware/software, and product teams both internal and external companies to integrate hardware seamlessly into the broader Octopus technology ecosystem.

What You Will Need

• Education: A recent graduate degree (BSc, BEng) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Excellent Communicator: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively discuss technical concepts with both engineering peers and commercial areas of the business.
• Adaptability: A versatile mindset with a genuine enjoyment of varied daily tasks—from product testing and validation, hands‑on hardware testing, to writing reports and brainstorming design solutions.
• Technical & Safety Foundation: A solid theoretical understanding of circuit design/operation and a 'can do' approach to problem‑solving. Crucially, you're comfortable working with mains voltages and demonstrate a strict, uncompromising approach to electrical safety.
• Logistics: Ability and willingness to work flexibly between our Slough office, Oxford Street office, and your home setup as required.

Why else you'll love it here

• Wondering what the salary for this role is? Just ask us! On a call with one of our recruiters, it's something we always cover as we genuinely want to match your experience with the correct salary. The reason why we don't advertise is because we honestly have a degree of flexibility and would never want salary to be a reason why someone doesn't apply to Octopus - what's more important to us is finding the right octofit!
• Unique Culture: Octopus Energy Group is a unique culture. An organisation where people learn, decide, and build quicker. Where people work with autonomy, alongside a wide range of amazing co‑owners, on projects that break new ground. We want your hard work to be rewarded with perks you actually care about!
• Visit our UK perks hub - Octopus Employee Benefits
• If this sounds like you then we'd love to hear from you. Tell us what you care about, why Octopus feels right, and most importantly, bring us the real you!

Our process usually takes up to 4 weeks, but we'll always do our best to flex around what works for you. Along the way, you'll chat with our recruitment team and your Recruiter will help you throughout different stages.

Are you ready for a career with us? We want to ensure you have all the tools and environment you need to unleash your potential. Need any specific accommodations? 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 are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we hire. We are looking for genuinely decent people who are honest and empathetic. Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success.