Graduate Hardware Engineer

Octopus Energy; Slough, Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Octopus Energy Group is seeking a motivated Graduate Hardware Engineer to join our Hardware Development team. You will help specify and develop EV chargers and smart energy hardware, delivering real-world impact across homes.

You will gain hands-on experience with testing, validation, and certification support, collaborating with firmware, software, and product teams to integrate hardware into the Octopus ecosystem. Opportunities to grow in a fast-paced, inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work with mains voltages and follow electrical safety standards.
• Willingness to collaborate across functions and sites.

Responsibilities

• Hardware Development: Assist in end-to-end specification and development of EV chargers and other smart energy hardware.
• Testing & Validation: Conduct hands-on testing, prototyping, and validation of hardware components.
• Certification Support: Prepare documentation and hardware for crucial certifications and compliance standards.
• Problem Solving: Investigate hardware issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with firmware/software and product teams to integrate hardware into the Octopus ecosystem.

Skills

Communication

Adaptability

Electrical safety

Mains voltages

Hands-on testing

Education

BSc/BEng in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

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.

You will 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 are 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!
• 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! We were named the UK's top company to work for in 2025, and we ranked in the top ten in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026. Our Group CEO, Greg has recorded a podcast about our culture and how we empower our people. We've also been placed in the top 10 companies for senior leadership.
• Visit our UK perks hub - Octopus Employee Benefits

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? 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. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we hire. Across Octopus, we're 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. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.