Future Energy Systems Industrial Placement

At EDF UK success is personal. We don’t define it, you do. Join our Future Energy Systems Industrial Placement and you’ll achieve your career goals in the way you want to. All while contributing to our mission to help Britain achieve Net Zero. 

“EDF R&D is the only placement opportunity where Net Zero targets are at the centre of day-to-day work activities. The Future Energy Systems (FES) team is a highly skilled international multidisciplinary team which explores a range of new technologies and business models to support EDF’s ambition to help Britain achieve Net Zero. You will be working in a wide range of R&D projects and help the team solving real challenges, working closely with our business units, academic partners and other EDF R&D centres. Furthermore, we train our industrial placements so they can gain both technical and non-technical skills e.g. in statistics, coding, technical report writing, client liaising and presenting their work to different internal and external stakeholders.” Roberto, Senior Manager of Zero Carbon Systems.

What does this Future Energy Systems opportunity offer you?

Future Energy Systems Placement at EDF R&D, London. Our EDF R&D UK Centre is an integral part of the EDF Group R&D international network. The strategy of the centre is to lead research and development for EDF, creating value, preparing for future challenges and unlocking opportunities for the business.   

During this placement, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Undertake data gathering, review and analysis to support various R&D projects, 
• Learn about nuclear and various renewable technologies, sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen industry, low carbon mobility and heating options, and many other R&D projects, 
• Review and monitor technical, commercial, and operational innovation in the energy industry, 
• Supporting and developing system design in areas such as mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, 
• Application development for innovative research projects  
• Undertake technical and commercial modelling of power systems by applying state of the art linear programming techniques, 
• Support project management and develop relationships and collaborate with relevant Universities and Industrial partners. 

Pay, benefits and culture

Alongside a starting salary of £25,500 and a market-leading pension scheme, your package will include a range of benefits, from the big and formal to the small and personal.

At EDF, we embrace flexibility while recognising that everyone's working needs are different. Whether you're in our office spaces, on site, or working remotely, we promote an environment that supports collaboration, connection, and comfort. No matter where you are, our priority is to make sure you feel safe, valued, and celebrated. 

Here, we do right by each other and everyone’s welcome. We’re on an action-oriented journey, championing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to have an equal gender balance, represent a broad mix of people from minority ethnic backgrounds, the LGBTQ+ community, people with a disability and colleagues from a disadvantaged background. 

We’re a disability confident employer and we’ll do all we can to help with your application. Please let us know if you need to request reasonable adjustments. 

We take pride in fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment, where the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our team members drive fresh thinking and innovation. We understand that success means different things to different people. There’s no single definition — it's about individuality. That’s why we give you the freedom to pursue a career that’s unique to you. Because success is personal.

Training, development, and support for you 

Over this 12-month programme you will work collaboratively with other colleagues in the development and delivery of research projects for the benefit of EDF in the UK, UK Energy Sector and EDF Group. The nature of the R&D UK Centre and its proximity to the Business Units leverage the flexibility, adaptability, and networking opportunities that you’ll have on offer. 

During your time with us you’ll support the FES team in developing and successfully delivering research and innovation projects. You’ll have the opportunity of working with the modelling team developing and maintaining Python-based optimisation models, liaising with other R&D teams and academic partners, support the applications team in sourcing data and information, interacting with technology suppliers, undertaking technical and commercial modelling of energy systems, following the new trends in the Hydrogen industry and many others. 

This programme will help you improve the skills in advanced mechanical models and will provide you with the opportunity to work with experts from different parts of the company including EDF R&D in France, enabling you to build up your skills and knowledge within a large, complex organisation.

We’re here to support you throughout the process and you’ll find helpful tips and advice here: https://www.edfenergy.com/careers/early-careers.

Your work location 

This placement will be based in London at EDF R&D (Victoria). We have a flexible working policy, so there is the opportunity to work remotely at times.   

Who you are

We are looking for candidates who are on track to achieve, or have already achieved, a 2:2 undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Physics, Maths or another related degree. You should possess strong technical and analytical skills, along with a genuine desire to learn and develop new capabilities. A questioning attitude, good teamwork, and effective communication skills are also essential qualities we seek.

Our selection process is designed to bring out the best in you. We use a strengths-based approach, allowing you to showcase your skills and what truly motivates you. We believe that focusing on individual strengths is key to engagement, motivation, and success in the workplace. 

Closing Date 

We are anticipating significant interest in this role and the advert will be closed once we have received a suitable number of applications so don’t delay, apply today!! 

Success is personal. It’s your journey, powered by us. Join us and we’ll help Britain achieve Net Zero, together.