Job description
Field Trials Officer in the Energy industry, working on a hybrid basis and offered as a contract position.
We are looking for candidates with a relevant STEM qualification or vocational training and demonstrable practical skills in on-site testing, data capture and basic data analysis; strong competence with mobile data collection tools, spreadsheets and standard IT is essential. Applicants must be comfortable working in a hybrid arrangement that includes regular site visits, be physically able to work outdoors when required, hold a valid driving licence or equivalent means to reach locations, and be flexible with occasional travel and variable hours. Excellent communication, strong attention to detail, methodical record-keeping, problem-solving ability, a proactive safety-first mindset, and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team are required.
Key responsibilities
- Plan and coordinate end-to-end field trial programs, defining objectives, selecting sites, developing detailed trial protocols and creating realistic schedules.
- Conduct site assessments and prepare risk assessments, permits and method statements to ensure site readiness and compliance with health, safety and environmental requirements.
- Oversee installation, calibration, commissioning and routine maintenance of monitoring equipment and test rigs, and troubleshoot technical issues onsite.
- Design and implement data collection procedures, manage sample handling and chain-of-custody, and enforce QA/QC standards to ensure data integrity.
- Liaise with landowners, clients, contractors, regulators and internal stakeholders to obtain access, align expectations and coordinate onsite activities.
- Analyze field measurements, synthesize results into technical reports and presentation materials, and provide clear recommendations and lessons learned to stakeholders.
- Manage project administration including procurement, logistics, contractor scheduling, budget tracking and maintenance of comprehensive trial documentation to meet contractual deliverables and timelines.
Skills and experience
- Degree in electrical, mechanical, renewable energy or related technical discipline
- 3+ years’ hands-on experience conducting field trials, pilot deployments and site testing in the energy sector
- Solid understanding of power systems, grid interconnection, generation technologies and energy storage
- Proven ability to plan, design and execute test protocols, acceptance criteria and test matrices
- Strong competency with data acquisition systems, sensors, data loggers and telemetry
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB, R) and advanced Excel for processing and visualising test data
- Experience with PLCs, SCADA, RTUs and industrial communications (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850)
- Practical skills in commissioning, calibration, troubleshooting and fault finding of electrical and mechanical equipment
- Ability to produce clear technical reports, test summaries and presentation-ready deliverables
- Competence in performing risk assessments, method statements and implementing site-specific safety procedures
- Relevant health & safety certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, SSSTS) and demonstrated commitment to HSE compliance
- Valid full driving licence and willingness to travel frequently to remote and multiple sites
- Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and correctly use personal protective equipment
- Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders including contractors, clients and supply chain partners
- Familiarity with industry standards and regulations (IEC, ISO, applicable grid codes and permitting requirements)
- Strong project coordination skills including scheduling, resource planning and tracking milestones on contract timelines
- Experience managing test equipment inventory, calibration schedules and technical documentation control
- Competence in using GIS, CAD or technical drawing interpretation for site layout and asset identification
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical findings to non-technical stakeholders
- Capability to prioritise tasks, adapt to changing test scopes and meet tight contractual deadlines
- Experience with permits to work, confined space entry and working at heights protocols
- Awareness of environmental and regulatory constraints affecting field work (e.g., land access, wildlife considerations)
- Strong analytical mindset with experience in root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions
- Track record of maintaining accurate logs, chain-of-custody for samples/data and version-controlled reporting
Key behaviours
- Safety-first attitude with constant attention to risk mitigation
- Strong practical problem-solving and troubleshooting mindset
- Meticulous attention to detail in documentation and data capture
- Analytical and data-driven decision-making approach
- Reliable time management and ability to meet tight deadlines
- Adaptable and comfortable with changing conditions and requirements
- Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills
- Collaborative team player who coordinates effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
- Customer- and stakeholder-focused orientation
- High level of personal accountability and integrity
- Technically curious with willingness to learn new tools and systems
- Resilient under pressure and able to maintain performance in challenging environments
- Proactive planner who anticipates issues and initiates solutions
- Flexible regarding hours and travel requirements
- Strong organisational skills with systematic record-keeping habits
- Quality-conscious mindset aiming for consistent, reproducible outcomes
- Commitment to regulatory compliance and industry best practices
- Physically capable and comfortable working outdoors or on-site as required
- Patient and persistent when validating or refining experimental approaches