AddressAbout the role
Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.
If you are passionate about Net Zero, enthusiastic about making a real difference to society and enjoy working in a talented and collaborative environment then please consider applying for a role with the Electricity System Operator (ESO) as it transforms to become the Future System Operator (FSO) for GB. The FSO is an independent and expert whole energy organisation on a mission to accelerate our energy transition.
As we transition to Net Zero, we are seeing a proliferation in the volume of flexibility assets (wind, solar, EVs, batteries, etc.) connecting to distribution networks, changing how they behave and unlocking additional flexibility for the ESO and Distribution System Operators (DSOs). The ESO and DSOs need greater visibility of these Distributed Energy Resources (DER) assets to better plan, connect, and operate networks, increase market liquidity, and maintain system resilience through greater co-ordination between ESO and DSO operational activities.
The DER Visibility Program is the delivery vehicle for achieving this transformation and we are looking for a Senior Power Systems Engineer to join the team.
This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick and we continue to offer hybrid working from office (twice a week in the office as min) and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.
About us
The ESO has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world, with an ambition for zero carbon operation by 2025. And by 2035, we want to run 100% clean, green energy, all the time.
Becoming the Future System Operator
In 2021, government and Ofgem jointly consulted on proposals for an expert, impartial Future System Operator (FSO) with responsibilities across both the electricity and gas systems, to drive progress towards net zero while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers. In October 2023, the Energy Act 2023 was passed, legislating for this Future System Operator to be created.
The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new Future System Operator. We will be taking on additional roles across vectors and sectors to create an organisation with a whole energy system mindset; enabling us to identify solutions to our energy system that are more sustainable, secure, and affordable for all.
The FSO will be set up as a public corporation with operational independence from government – bringing parties together to support optimised decision making and action. As now, it will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements. It is anticipated that the new organisation will be up and running in 2024.
The time to act on climate change is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.
About you
We are looking for individuals who not only have a demonstrable understanding of the fundamentals of power system operation and how to use industry standard software packages for assessments, but also have skills and experience in using programming languages or operational research techniques.
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £55000 – £65000– dependent on experience and capability.
As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work-life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.
Key Accountabilities
• Identify and articulate the technical and engineering-based challenges of DER Visibility.
• Innovate with ESO and industry experts to find feasible solutions for the technical challenges of DER Visibility.
• Provide technical expertise to the wither DER Visibility team, to support other Program initiatives.
• Work alongside a breadth of internal and external industry stakeholders who are also passionate about delivering Net Zero and the energy transition to coordinate the development, planning and operation of the whole electricity system to facilitate the low carbon transition.
• Contribute to innovations including IT solutions in planning and operation to deliver maximum consumer benefit.
• Represent National Grid in external technical working groups, seminars and conferences.
• Application of process excellence to deliver efficient process and quality output.
What you'll need
What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has:
Essential:
• General electricity system knowledge and solid system fundamental knowledge.
• Good appreciation of UK energy policy and offshore network development policy.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the principles of power system design, planning and operation.
Desirable:
• Familiarity with power system simulation packages such as DIgSILENT, PowerFactory, PSCAD and integrated scripting functionality to automate analysis and program development.
• Experience in infrastructure development and optioneering.
• Experience of running power system analysis including HVDC technology, Inverter Base Resource and EMT.
• Familiarity with Python programming SQL, NoSQL and/or other database tools & techniques.
More information
This role closes on 25th February 2024 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. Interviews will be held wc.11th and 18th March 2024.
We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.
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.
