Technician for Renewable Energy

Join the University of East London – Shaping Futures for 125 Years

At the University of East London (UEL), our mission is to prepare students for the careers of the future while shaping that future inclusively and sustainably. As a careers-first university, we believe education and opportunity should be open to all, and that diversity of people and thought is essential to solving society’s biggest challenges.

Founded in 1898 as the West Ham Technical Institute, UEL has always championed industry-focused education and social mobility, earning the name “The People’s University” for its commitment to widening access to technical and professional learning. While our scale and ambition have grown, our purpose has remained constant: empowering communities, advancing social justice, and equipping students with future-proof skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Today, UEL continues this legacy through pioneering research, employer-engaged education, and meaningful community impact. We are tackling health and economic inequalities, promoting sustainability, and helping to build a more inclusive and resilient future.

Guided by our ambitious Vision 2028  strategy, UEL is reshaping education for the benefit of all, empowering students from every background with the skills and opportunities to succeed. Our commitment to excellence is recognised nationally; we are proud to be named University of the Year for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. At UEL, we don’t just teach, we inspire, innovate and empower, shaping the future together.

About Sustainability Research Institute (SRI)

For more than two decades, the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) has driven pioneering eco-efficient innovation, delivering cutting-edge research that supports the transition to a carbon-neutral future. SRI has contributed to nationally and internationally funded research projects, consultancy work, industry collaboration and commercialisation, building a strong reputation for real-world environmental impact.

Our work spans three strategic research themes:

• Blue/Green Infrastructure: advancing nature-based solutions that strengthen environmental resilience and protect ecosystems.
• Sustainable Materials and Resources: developing next-generation low-carbon materials and circular resource solutions.
• Sustainable Society: supporting behavioural change, governance and community engagement for sustainable living.

At SRI, you will join a multidisciplinary research community dedicated to tackling global sustainability challenges through science, engineering and applied innovation.

About the Job

We are seeking a practical, highly skilled Renewable Energy Technician to support the successful operation of the London Renewable Energy Demonstrator Lab (LREL), a flagship clean energy system combining solar, wind, battery storage and advanced digital monitoring.

You will work closely with academic researchers, engineers and students, providing hands-on technical expertise to assemble, test, maintain and optimise renewable energy components and microgrid infrastructure. Your role will also support system integration, weather station set-up, performance monitoring, data capture, and retrofit activities using innovative technologies.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, hands-on engineering, technical experimentation and contributing directly to impactful sustainability research.

What You’ll Do:

• Assemble, install, test and maintain renewable energy components, including solar panels, batteries, wind systems and IoT hardware.
• Support installation and integration of weather stations into the microgrid, ensuring smooth daily operation.
• Assist in the manufacture, development and optimisation of new renewable energy devices and prototypes.
• Work closely with students and researchers, supporting experiments, training and project work.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, system protocols and lab operating procedures.
• Support data collection, hardware monitoring and performance analysis to aid research studies.
• Contribute to retrofit strategies for integrating renewable energy technology with existing infrastructure.

What You’ll Need to thrive:

You will be successful in this role if you bring:

• A degree in engineering, renewable energy or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience
• Confidence interpreting CAD drawings, P&ID diagrams and electrical schematics
• Hands-on experience with solar, wind, battery systems, or microgrid technologies
• Strong understanding of H&S, system compliance and PCB handling
• Excellent troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve system issues quickly
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise multiple workstreams
• A collaborative mindset and the confidence to work with researchers, technicians, students and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A proactive, positive attitude, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• A commitment to equality, inclusivity and professional best practice in a diverse research environment

Benefits Package

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture.

We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.

You can explore our full benefits package here: https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-professional-services-positions

Building an Inclusive Future

As an inclusive, equal-opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the diversity pay gap. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.

We're a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

If you're ready to join a University that values your outstanding skills and perspectives and is dedicated to making a difference, we invite you to explore a career with us. We are excited to welcome versatile individuals who are committed to advancing their careers while making a positive impact on the world.

To contact the recruitment team please phone +44 20 8223 3000 x 4600 or e-mail jobs@uel.ac.uk

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.