At the heart of this mission is Itron’s Budapest Center of Excellence—a hub focused on delivering innovative software and service solutions that support grid edge intelligence and smart city initiatives around the globe.

Leveraging the expertise of highly skilled software engineers in Hungary, the Budapest center plays a pivotal role in Itron’s global operations. The company’s core belief that protecting energy and water resources is essential drives its commitment to create a more resourceful world.

You just celebrated your 8th Birthday, opening an office in Budapest, Hungary. Tell us a bit more about your story.

Itron’s journey in Budapest began in 2017 with the establishment of Itron Labs at the prestigious Deák Palota, laying the groundwork for what would become a Center of Excellence. That same year, the team earned national recognition by winning the "R&D Investment of the Year" Award from the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA).

By 2018, the team reached an important milestone with 100 employees onboard. A year later, Itron Budapest was honored with the Real Estate Awards' Best Office of the Year, reflecting the thoughtful design and collaborative environment created for its staff.

Innovation in workplace strategy followed with the launch of iFlex in 2022, a highly flexible hybrid working model designed to support both collaboration and individual productivity.

Fast forward to 2024, the Budapest team has grown to 180 employees. Due to the effectiveness of the iFlex approach, Itron moved into a more compact yet smarter space—Palais Krausz, located in the heart of Budapest near the Opera.

Tell us a bit more about your new office and home office policy!

Today, Itron’s Budapest office is located at the elegant Palais Krausz, close to the Opera House. This new office, designed to support modern hybrid working, accommodates 60 people and features a variety of spaces tailored for effective collaboration and focused work.

From open collaboration zones and private meeting rooms to silent boxes, every corner of the office is optimized for different work styles. A gaming room complete with pool and csocsó (table football), and a recreation room offering weekly massage, yoga, and personal training equipment, contribute to a healthy and balanced work environment.

The new office's unique design solutions were key to winning the Design Office of 2024 title. You can check out the interior at: https://azevirodaja.hu/nevezok/itron/49781 

As for work arrangements, Itron operates on the iFlex hybrid policy, giving teams the autonomy to determine how often they need to be in the office. Depending on team dynamics, this ranges from two days a week to just one day a month, offering a high level of flexibility to employees.

What other benefit package elements do you offer?

In addition to a flexible work environment, Itron offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Life and health insurance

• Access to Generali Premium private healthcare

• Cafeteria program with SZÉP card option

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Continuous learning opportunities through Udemy, and language courses

What area do you focus on hiring currently? Do you plan on increasing your teams further?

Itron is currently focused on expanding its Networks team, with an emphasis on hiring experienced Java developers. As the company continues to grow, recruitment efforts remain ongoing. Interested candidates are encouraged to explore current opportunities at the Itron Careers page: https://na.itron.com/careers