National Energy System Operator
Power System Engineer
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About The Role
Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. As increasing volumes of distributed energy resources, including solar, battery storage, electric vehicles and flexible demand, connect across distribution networks, the way our electricity system is planned and operated is fundamentally changing. To support a secure, affordable and decarbonised energy future, NESO requires a deeper understanding of how these resources interact with the wider system and where enhanced visibility, access and coordination can unlock the greatest value.
We are seeking a Principal Power Systems Engineer (Distributed Energy Integration) to provide technical leadership in this area. You will lead the technical development, operationalisation and application of NESO's Minimum Visibility & Access Methodology (MVAM), providing the engineering evidence base used to inform future visibility and access requirements across Great Britain's electricity system. You will develop and maintain the engineering frameworks, modelling approaches and evidence base used to determine future visibility and access requirements across Great Britain's electricity system.
Working across transmission, distribution, planning and operational stakeholders, you will apply power systems expertise, modelling insight and engineering judgement to develop the methodologies and evidence base that support secure and economic system operation, inform future visibility and access requirements, and enable the integration of distributed energy resources at scale.
This role combines strong understanding of power system operations, SQSS, power system analysis, engineering judgement and strategic thinking, acting as NESO’s technical authority and product owner.
This role is based in Wokingham, 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
Develop and own NESO Minimum Visibility & Access Methodology
- Lead the development, operationalisation and continuous improvement of NESO Minimum Visibility & Access Methodology
- Inform NESO decisions on how different levels of visibility and access affect NESO’s ability to support safe, secure and efficient electricity system operation
- Define credible future operability scenarios, future distributed energy volumes, engineering assumptions, assessment criteria and analytical frameworks
- Establish structured, scenario and evidence-based approaches for identifying where enhanced visibility and access capability delivers system value.
- Ensure methodologies remain robust, transparent, repeatable and suitable for regulatory and industry scrutiny.
Power System Modelling & Analysis
- Lead technical assessments to understand how distributed energy (DERs) impact network planning and system operation.
- Develop and interpret modelling approaches assessing future visibility and access needs.
- Identify transmission-distribution interactions creating risks, constraints or consumer costs.
- Translate modelling outputs into actionable insights and value at stake calculations to support business case for increased DER visibility and access.
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Engineering Authority & Challenge
- Act as an intelligent customer for consultant studies and technical work packages.
- Provide expert engineering challenge to assumptions and recommendations.
- Influence senior managers and industry stakeholders using evidence-based engineering arguments.
- Provide technical assurance for visibility-related recommendations and investment cases.
System Security & Compliance
- Apply understanding of SQSS, operability requirements and system planning obligations.
- Operate scenario-based methodologies to support secure, economic and coordinated system operation.
- Assess how distributed visibility and access contribute to resilience and consumer value.
Industry Leadership
- Represent NESO in industry working groups and technical forums.
- Collaborate with DNOs, DSOs and industry stakeholders.
- Support development of industry standards and methodologies.
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:
Essential
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering or equivalent.
- Strong understanding of GB power system design, planning (i.e. Network Options Assessment NOA) or Customer connection study processes and system operations.
- Experience in power system analysis, modelling and engineering assessment.
- Strong understanding of transmission and distribution network interactions.
- Knowledge of SQSS, system security and electricity system planning obligations.
- Experience developing engineering methodologies, analytical frameworks or decision-support tools.
- Ability to critically evaluate and challenge technical studies, modelling approaches and engineering recommendations.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, including the ability to influence senior technical and non-technical stakeholders using evidence-based engineering judgement.
- Experience applying engineering judgement to support strategic decision-making under uncertainty.
Desirable
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working towards chartership.
- Familiarity or Experience using Plexos, PowerFactory, PSCAD, PSS®E or equivalent power system simulation tools. Knowledge of scripting functionality to automate analysis and program development.
- Familiarity or Experience in Future Energy Scenarios, operability assessments or whole-system planning.
- Knowledge of Distributed Energy Resources, flexibility markets and distributed system operation or interactions of system operator/distribution network operator.
- Python, Power BI, SQL or advanced analytical capability.
- Experience managing or assuring consultants -delivered engineering studies.
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What You'll Get
- A competitive salary of £49,000 - £69,000 dependent on experience and capability
- 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.
Benefits
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
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.
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