Funding & Strategic Research Engineer

Funding & Strategic Research Engineer

Do you enjoy leading and motivating others to deliver successful solutions for business and customers?

Would you like the opportunity to be responsible for business growth?

Be part of a team that makes a difference to our business

The Funding & Strategic Research Engineer plays a pivotal role in driving innovation through strategic use of public funding and collaboration with a global research ecosystem. This position serves as the central point of contact for the execution of funded research projects and the development of competitive proposals. The selected candidate will be responsible for shaping collaborative research initiatives, aligning them with the company's innovation roadmap, and coordinating cross-functional teams-both internal and external-to ensure successful project delivery. In addition to leading project execution, the candidate will contribute to defining the long-term research and innovation strategy, identifying emerging funding trends, and representing the company in high-level institutional and policy-making forums.

As a Service Product Manager, you will be responsible for:

To enhance external funding initiatives and strengthen partnerships with research institutions and universities, the candidate will lead the management of multi-year funded projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and seamless coordination across internal and external stakeholders. A strong interest in technology, adaptability to a fast-paced global environment, and excellent communication skills are essential. The candidate will represent IET in key meetings and provide clear, insightful briefings to both institutional and internal audiences.

• Leading the preparation of funding proposals, including technical content, timelines, and cost estimates, in collaboration with relevant internal functions and external partners.

• Managing a portfolio of funded projects, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and high-quality reporting.

• Overseeing project execution, including cost eligibility verification, audit documentation, and compliance with contractual obligations.

• Ensuring adherence to applicable regulations, internal policies, and funding requirements, with accurate financial tracking and reporting.

• Monitoring project performance through KPIs and delivering regular progress reports.

• Facilitating communication and coordination with internal stakeholders (research teams, business units) and external entities (funding bodies, academic and industrial partners).

• Conducting data analysis to support strategic decisions related to the research network and potential collaborations.

• Supporting university engagement and scouting activities to identify opportunities for joint technology development.

• Providing strategic input to executive leadership on funding opportunities and innovation positioning.

• Mentoring junior team members and contributing to the development of internal capabilities in project acquisition and management.

• Represent Baker Hughes at various conferences sponsored by external funding agencies and be a recognized public speaker.

• Driving cross-functional alignment between R&D, business units, and external stakeholders to maximize the impact of funded initiatives.

Fuel your passion

To be successful in this role you will:

• Master's degree in Engineering or a related technical field from an accredited university or college, with 10-15 years of work experience in energy sector (Oil and Gas; Power Generation, Utilities)

• Extensive experience (typically 8+ years) in leading complex, multi-stakeholder funded research programs at national and international levels.

• Proven track record in securing/managing significant public funding (e.g., Horizon, Europe, US Department of Energy, national innovation programs) and in building strategic partnerships with academia, industry, and government bodies.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building capabilities to foster collaboration with funding bodies and research institutions.

• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills to assess funding opportunities and shape strategic approaches.

• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Sound knowledge of relevant regulations, policies, and procedures, along with a comprehensive understanding of the public funding landscape.

• Experience in influencing research policy or participating in advisory boards, working groups, or expert panels.

Desired Characteristics

• PhD from an accredited institution.

• Experience working in government agencies is a plus.

• Executive presence and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across sectors.

• High learning agility and a proactive attitude toward tackling new challenges.

• Broad familiarity with various engineering disciplines.

• IPMA certification or equivalent project management credential.

• Understanding of intellectual property management principles.

• Experience in shaping innovation strategy and aligning it with business objectives.

• Fluency in navigating complex regulatory and funding environments across multiple geographies.

Work in a way that works for you

We recognize that everyone is different and that the way in which people want to work and deliver at their best is different for everyone too. In this role, we can offer the following flexible working patterns:

• Working flexible hours - flexing the times when you work in the day to help you fit in everything in and work when you are the most productive

Working with us

Our people are at the heart of what we do at Baker Hughes. We know we are better when all of our people are developed, engaged and able to bring their whole authentic selves to work. We invest in the health and well-being of our workforce, train and reward talent and develop leaders at all levels to bring out the best in each other.

Working for you

Our inventions have revolutionized energy for over a century. But to keep going forward tomorrow, we know we have to push the boundaries today. We prioritize rewarding those who embrace change with a package that reflects how much we value their input. Join us, and you can expect:

• Contemporary work-life balance policies and wellbeing activities

• Comprehensive private medical care options

• Safety net of life insurance and disability programs

• Tailored financial programs

• Additional elected or voluntary benefits