Job Description
Principal Research Engineer Distributed Systems & Industrial AI
Bristol (Hybrid) | Permanent
An advanced technology and research organisation is seeking a Principal Research Engineer / Research Fellow to help shape next-generation distributed data-sharing and industrial AI solutions across sectors including energy, infrastructure and industrial systems.
This role sits within a highly specialised R&D environment focused on applied research, intelligent systems and scalable data-sharing architectures. You'll work across emerging technologies including distributed AI, digital twins, cloud/edge systems and trusted AI frameworks.
Role:
You'll operate across:
* Applied R&D
* Distributed systems architecture
* Industrial AI
* Data-sharing infrastructure
* Technical strategy and innovation
Responsibilities include:
* Developing proof-of-concepts and next-generation solutions
* Contributing to externally funded R&D programmes
* Collaborating with industry, academia and international engineering teams
* Supporting patents, publications and strategic technology initiatives
Experience Needed:
Experience across several of the following:
* Distributed systems / data-sharing platforms
* Industrial AI / edge AI
* Cloud & microservices architecture
* Python, Java & SQL
* PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Spark or similar tooling
* Knowledge graphs / semantic technologies
* RAG, agentic AI or generative AI concepts
Candidates from industrial R&D, advanced engineering or applied AI environments would be particularly relevant.
A PhD is preferred but strong commercial experience is equally valued.
Why this role?
* Work on cutting-edge industrial AI and distributed systems challenges
* Highly collaborative research-driven environment
* Opportunity to influence real-world products and technology strategy
* Strong focus on innovation and emerging technologies
* Hybrid working with Bristol as the preferred base
If you're interested in applied AI, distributed systems and advanced industrial research, this is a rare opportunity to join a genuinely forward-thinking environment.
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