Power System Engineer

About the Role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) are looking to hire talented Power System Engineers to join our Strategic Energy Planning function. This exciting role brings unique opportunities for a person with a passion to accelerate our progress to net zero. You will be helping to solve engineering challenges in developing energy networks and setting strategic direction for energy network plans.

We have opportunities for Power System and Senior Power Systems Engineers (L6-8) to join us.

National Energy System Operator (NESO) are looking to hire a talented Power System Engineer to join our Strategic Energy Planning function within the Transmission & Distribution Interface team. This exciting role provides power-system engineering and analytical expertise to support the assessment of current and future interactions between the transmission and distribution networks. You will undertake, interpret and challenge network studies to identify constraints, operability risks and system needs arising from changes in demand, generation, storage and network configuration, translating analysis into clear engineering insights and practical recommendations. Working collaboratively with Transmission Owners, Distribution Network Owners and internal planning, connections and operability teams, you will develop technically robust, whole-system solutions at Grid Supply Points and across transmission-distribution interfaces. You will provide the engineering evidence required to inform strategic planning and investment decisions and communicate complex power-system analysis clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

These roles can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or Glasgow, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full-time and part-time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

Key Accountabilities

• Developing network designs to support power system requirements, e.g. reinforcing network boundaries or overcoming current interface issues.
• Supporting future GSP Strategy, thinking of the network as a whole
• Working with economic engineer colleagues to undertake modelling of proposed network plans.
• Undertaking, interpreting and critically reviewing power-system studies, including load flow and contingency analysis, voltage and reactive-power assessment, fault-level analysis, thermal capability, network constraint assessment and wider system operability studies, where relevant.
• Developing, validating and interrogating network models, including understanding modelling assumptions, sensitivities and limitations of study results.
• Translating strategic network, policy and investment questions into appropriate power-system studies, defining the required scenarios, network backgrounds, sensitivities, contingencies and assessment criteria.
• Automating power-system analysis using DIgSILENT PowerFactory, including Python API and/or DPL scripting, and developing batch-study processes covering substations, GSPs, contingencies, scenarios and study years.
• Analysing different designs from a deliverability and operability perspective, including impacts on network owners, developers and NESO as system operator
• Identifying emerging and future system performance issues and operability challenges, and translating findings into concise, evidence-based engineering recommendations.
• Combining detailed power-system analysis with wider strategic network planning to identify how emerging system needs should influence future GSP, substation and transmission-distribution interface development.
• Interpreting TO and DNO engineering standards, equipment specifications, ratings and design requirements, and understanding how these affect future network and substation development.
• Working with multiple NESO teams to seek feedback on proposed network and operability solutions.
• Working with impacted stakeholders, including Transmission Owners and Distribution Network Owners, to discuss and develop technically robust, whole-system network and operability solutions.
• Leading and representing NESO internally and externally.
• Producing clear technical reports and communicating complex engineering analysis to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

We understand that candidates may not meet and have experience of all the requirements outlined because of the variance in PSE roles we are recruiting for.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

About You

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

· Is passionate about achieving net zero in a sustainable and cost-effective way.

· Has a strong understanding of the GB transmission and distribution networks, including interactions across the transmission-distribution interface.

· Has knowledge of existing GB transmission or distribution network planning processes, for example Network Options Assessment (NOA) or customer connection study processes; this is ideal but not essential.

· Has knowledge of relevant GB industry frameworks and standards, particularly the Grid Code, Security and Quality of Supply Standard (SQSS) and System Operator-Transmission Owner Code (STC), and their application to network planning and operation.

· Can demonstrate knowledge of the principles of power-system planning and operation and the meaning of system security.

· Has experience undertaking, interpreting and critically reviewing power-system studies, ideally including load flow and contingency analysis; voltage and reactive-power assessment; fault-level analysis; thermal capability and network constraint assessment; and stability and wider system operability studies, where relevant.

· Has practical experience using industry-standard power-system analysis software, preferably DIgSILENT PowerFactory, with PSS®E, PSCAD or equivalent packages also relevant.

· Can develop, validate and interrogate network models, including understanding modelling assumptions, sensitivities and limitations of study results.

· Has a strong understanding of active power, reactive power, voltage control, fault level and system strength considerations at transmission-distribution interfaces.

· Has a strong understanding of transmission and distribution substation design and configuration, including busbar arrangements, transformers, circuits, bays, switchgear and associated primary plant.

· Can analyse large and complex technical datasets, identify material system issues and translate findings into concise, evidence-based engineering recommendations.

· Is a strong communicator with excellent technical report-writing skills, able to adapt style to explain complex technical issues in accessible ways

· Is capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with distinct deliverables.

· Has excellent organisation capabilities, with the ability to lead and coordinate multiple parties, including external stakeholders and contractors, to deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timescales.

What You'll Get

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:
- Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
- Additional Birthday Day Off
- Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
- Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.

Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.
Your energy. Our future. Together

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

More Information

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britains's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always actin in the best interests of all energy users.

Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.
Your energy. Our future. Together