Research & Innovation Manager – AI, Data, and Automation

Centrica

. Lead and develop a team of research engineers .

Posted 10/28/2026full-timeAntwerp • BelgiumMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing complex statistical algorithms and machine learning models, with a strong foundation in Python programming and deep learning techniques. Possesses a solid understanding of the energy industry, including smart energy technologies and regulatory processes, while effectively leading and mentoring research teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Machine Learning Model DesignPython ProgrammingStatistical AlgorithmsEnergy Industry KnowledgeResearch Team Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Machine LearningStatistical AlgorithmsDeep LearningReinforcement LearningSupervised LearningUnsupervised LearningMathematical SkillsAnalytical MindsetResearch ExperienceTechnical Concept Explanation

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsProblem-SolvingOwnershipCollaborationAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

TensorFlowPyTorchAWS BedrockMLflowSageMakerLangGraphMCP Libraries

Industry Keywords

Energy ManagementSmart Energy TechnologiesEnergy MarketsTrading TechniquesRegulatory Constraints

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSIoTPythonPyTorchTensorflow

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and develop a team of research engineers
Ensure reliable delivery of high-quality research and innovation outputs
Own Energised Futures’ strategy for the automation pillar
Lead and mentor research professionals
Oversee highly technical research and innovation projects
Own the strategy and roadmap for the role’s area
Collaborate with stakeholders across Centrica, the energy industry, startups, and academia
Support the wider business in adopting and deploying outputs to maximise impact
Monitor and engage with industry and academia through conferences and journals

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years’ experience designing complex statistical algorithms or machine learning models
PhD plus 2 or more years, or a master’s degree plus 4 or more years, of research or equivalent industry experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, or a related field
Experience across ML libraries, frameworks, and services such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, AWS Bedrock, MLflow, SageMaker, LangGraph, or MCP libraries
Strong programming skills, especially in Python
Practical experience implementing and deploying deep supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning solutions
Strong mathematical skills and analytical mindset
Energy industry knowledge strongly preferred, including smart energy technologies, energy management, connectivity challenges, energy markets, trading techniques, and regulatory constraints and processes
Adaptable growth mindset and willingness to learn beyond current expertise
Proactive, creative, and collaborative approach to problem-solving
Strong sense of ownership and accountability
Interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional teamwork
Ability to discuss and explain technical concepts including machine learning, energy systems, hardware control, and IoT devices
High ethical standards, transparency, and openness in research and innovation activities
Ability to travel between Antwerp and London locations
Preference to be based in or around London

Benefits

Comp & perks

An attractive salary and compensation package
A highly competitive set of additional benefits, with the exact nature depending on being based in the UK or Belgium
Very flexible hybrid working pattern
Office collaboration twice a week
Flexible working arrangements, especially for external factors such as family situation
Total rewards designed to provide flexibility and support employees and their families financially, physically, and emotionally
Opportunity to join a high-potential and fast-growing energy technology company
Work with a high-calibre team where creative input has high impact
Diversity-focused and inclusive workplace
Opportunity to contribute to a greener, fairer future through responsible decarbonisation of energy
Growth and development opportunities