Power Systems 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.

The Network Development & Compliance teams are part of the Strategic Energy Planning directorate. Their goal is to support the delivery of GB's first Centralised Strategic Network Plan which outlines the future of GB's energy networks with a focus on developing asset plans to facilitate the interface between high and low voltage networks, and implement a clean power system by considering potential risks around minimum demand, reactive power consumption, system inertia and short circuit level.

As a Power Systems Engineer specialising in network development policy and compliance, you will help shape the engineering requirements, methodologies and guidance that underpin NESO's network planning decisions. You will apply power systems expertise to develop policy, interpret relevant standards and review technical approaches and outputs, supporting consistent application of requirements and clear, evidence-based recommendations.

The successful candidate will develop and analyse network plans to assess system performance, identify constraints, and support the development of resilient and operable network solutions. The role will involve carrying out power system studies and translating complex outputs into actionable insights to inform strategic network planning.

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

Location and Working Arrangements

• Based from Wokingham, Warwick or Glasgow
• Hybrid working from office and home
• 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
• Develop, review and maintain network development engineering policies, methodologies and guidance, translating technical requirements and standards into clear, practical approaches that support consistent network planning and decision-making
• Working with economic engineer colleagues to undertake modelling of proposed network plans
• Undertake technical assurance and compliance reviews of network development activities, studies and outputs against relevant standards, policies and requirements, identifying gaps, risks and improvements and supporting evidence-based recommendations
• Undertaking and applying power system studies to assess network performance, constraints, and system behaviour
• Identifying emerging and future system performance issues and operability challenges
• Working with multiple NESO teams to seek their feedback on the proposed network and operability solutions
• Working with impacted stakeholders (including transmission owners, distribution network owners) to discuss and develop the proposed network and operability solutions
• Lead and represent NESO internally and externally
• Technical report writing

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about achieving net zero in a sustainable and cost-effective way
• Has knowledge of existing GB Transmission or distribution network planning process, for example Network Options Assessment (NOA) or Customer connection study processes (ideal but not essential)
• Has knowledge of the GB electricity transmission or distribution network, including power system operation, Grid Code and Security and Quality of Supply Standards (SQSS)
• Can demonstrate knowledge of the principles of power system planning and operation and the meaning of system security
• Is familiar with power system simulation packages such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD and integrated scripting functionality to automate analysis and program development
• Is a strong communicator with excellent writing skills, able to adapt style to explain complex technical issues in accessible ways
• Possesses proven ability to build high-quality relationships both internally and externally and using those to achieve the required outcomes
• Is capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, each with distinct deliverables
• Has excellent organisation capabilities with the ability to lead and coordinate with multiple parties (including external stakeholders and contractors) to deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timescales
• Can collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders to coordinate technical analysis and supporting the delivery and monitoring of projects across various stages of development/commissioning
• Has knowledge and interest in the role of NESO to solve the energy trilemma and achieve net zero by targeted date

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.

You will play a key role in driving a low carbon operable future for Great Britain's energy system with implementation of the government's CP30 target the first significant milestone. You will work in collaboration with a variety of internal and external stakeholders including Transmission Owners (TOs), Distribution Network Owners (DNOs), Offshore developers and NESO colleagues.

What You'll Get

Salary: £50,000 - £75,000 dependent on experience and capability

Core benefits:

• Bonus based on company performance
• 26 days annual leave as standard
• Competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%
• Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution

Flexible benefits programme:

• 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 thinking and public value.

Requirements

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.

How to Apply

This role closes at 23:59 on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

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 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.

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.

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