Emerging Technologies Technical Lead

Successful candidates may be based in any of our office locations – Cardiff, Glasgow or London. We especially welcome applicants from Cardiff and Glasgow.

Job summary

As new technologies become more embedded in the energy sector, Ofgem is focused on ensuring they are used safely, responsibly and in the interests of consumers. We’re seeking an Emerging Technologies Technical Lead to support this work across areas such as AI and quantum computing.

Ofgem is Great Britain’s independent energy regulator. We’re at the forefront of change across the sector, driving toward Net Zero whilst protecting consumers, especially vulnerable people.

We’re offering a permanent opportunity within our Emerging Technologies team where you’ll play an important role in how AI and other emerging technologies are understood and applied within Britain’s energy sector.

You’ll work on real, cutting-edge applications of emerging technologies, applying your expertise to use cases that are actively being deployed across the sector. This is an opportunity to influence how these technologies are used in practice, contributing to decisions that affect critical national infrastructure.

Working alongside specialists across policy, regulation and delivery, this role offers the chance to build a broad and valuable understanding of how technical insight feeds into regulatory and strategic decisions at scale.

You’ll bring strong technical expertise in AI or related digital technologies, with experience designing, assessing or assuring AI, data, digital or cyber-related systems. You’ll be capable of producing technical analysis and possess an understanding of AI governance and safety, data governance, cybersecurity or digital systems risk. You’ll be an effective collaborator and communicator, engaging constructively and able to explain technical concepts to a wide range of audiences.

In return, you’ll have the opportunity to build your technical expertise while working on high-profile and fast-moving areas. You’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team, contributing to work that helps ensure emerging technologies are used responsibly across the energy sector.

We have a critical purpose to ensure the energy system works in the interests of consumers, now and in the future. Join us and help shape how emerging technologies are applied in a safe, effective and future-ready energy system.

Read on and find out more.

SC is required for this role. Information and eligibility guidance can be found here: SC - Guidance Pack for Applicants - GOV.UK

Key Responsibilities

Lead specific technical work packages within Ofgem’s emerging technologies programme, with an initial focus on AI (and exposure to quantum or other emerging technologies). Produce robust technical analysis to inform regulatory guidance, tools and policy development, ensuring alignment with engineering, cybersecurity and data governance considerations. Translate high-level technical direction into well scoped technical tasks, identifying assumptions, dependencies, risks and evidence gaps. Support technical horizon scanning activities by researching emerging trends, risks and opportunities, and feeding these into team-level documentation. Assess technical proposals and use cases from regulated companies and their innovation partners, identifying risks, limitations and mitigation options. Contribute to the drafting of technical analysis of guidance, frameworks and standards, using appropriate approaches, methodologies and tooling. Ensure outputs are clear, proportionate and usable for policy teams, stakeholders and regulated companies.

Key Outputs and Deliverables

High-quality technical documentation, analyses and reviews explaining how AI and quantum are used within the energy sector, with a particular focus on safety, security and resilience. Technical sections of guidance, standards, frameworks and regulatory tools that are accurate, clearly reasoned and evidence based. Input to technology roadmaps, outlining emerging risks and opportunities. Clear internal and external technical communication for policy, legal, economics, leadership, and wider government stakeholders. Effective contributions to cross-government or other technical working groups, supported by senior colleagues. Maintain high standards of technical analysis, documentation and assurance. Support knowledge sharing and peer review within the Emerging Technologies team. Act as a role model for inclusive working and continuous professional development.

Essential Criteria

Technical expertise in AI or digital technologies demonstrated through experience designing, assessing, or assuring AI, data, digital or cyber-related systems. (Lead Criteria) Ability to produce technical analysis including breaking down complex technical issues and explaining risks, limitations and trade-offs. (Lead Criteria) Understanding of AI governance, safety, data governance, cybersecurity or digital systems risk with evidence of applying these concepts in real‑world or regulatory contexts. Strong collaboration skills experience working with multidisciplinary teams and engaging constructively with technical and non-technical colleagues. Clear written and verbal communication skills able to explain technical material clearly to policy and other specialist audiences.

Desirable Criteria

Experience working in a regulated environment particularly in energy, digital regulation, cyber security, or sectors with significant AI or data‑governance requirements. Familiarity with technical standards such as BSI, ISO, NIST, IEEE, or other relevant AI, data, cybersecurity or emerging‑tech standards bodies. Exposure to quantum or emerging technologies particularly where these intersect with AI, system security, or regulatory oversight. Experience supporting work delivered by external technical consultants such as AI model evaluations, cyber‑risk assessments, or technical reviews conducted by external experts.