Whole Energy Network Engineer - ESO

About 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.

This role is within the Gas and Whole Energy Network Development (GWEND) team which is part of the Strategic Energy Planning (SEP) directorate in NESO.  The team provides support and advice throughout both SEP and NESO and act as a ‘go-to’ resource for internal and external stakeholders’ understanding of the whole energy system and how the whole energy system is considered within GWEND, SEP (including Regional Energy Strategic Planning and Spatial Strategic Energy Planning) and NESO. 

This is your opportunity to learn about the difficult core of the energy transition and to get to grips with the complexities of cross-vector analysis and optimisation.  Whilst not a requirement of the role, there are likely to be opportunities to engage with internal and external stakeholders, including central government, regulators, and private companies. 

This is a high-profile role within NESO as it embodies the new whole energy remit that has been given to the former electricity system operator.  The role presents an excellent opportunity to grow an analytics-based competency right at the difficult heart of the energy transition, with likely several amazing career opportunities

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, 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. 

About us

At National Grid ESO, our mission is to meet the challenges of the future and deliver cleaner, affordable electricity. We constantly strive to do this better by using technology and innovation to transform the way we work.

Becoming the National Energy System Operator

In Summer of 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them.

The organisation will be set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As the ESO are today, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.

The time to deliver 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.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead on the delivery of cohesive intelligence and analysis for an assigned sector, cluster or vector - this includes agreeing the overall scope of the analysis with senior management, defining any hypotheses to be tested, developing a project plan and schedule, defining research and intelligence gathering requirements, and developing the simulations and models required.
• Conduct more detailed analysis of the energy systems relevant to assigned sector, vector or cluster – assessing the efficiency, reliability, and performance of these systems and identifying the sector, vector or cluster’s needs, inputs and outputs, and working with colleagues from across NESO to ensure the intelligence is embedded in their analysis.
• Adhere to relevant analytical and research standards - including adhering to project management guidelines, reporting requirements, budget tracking, etc., to ensure that analysis and studies are undertaken in a consistent and robust approach.
• Support the Whole Energy Network Development Manager in conducting regular market scanning exercises across UK, Europe and the world, to keep informed of any developments which may impact future energy studies relevant to assigned vector.
• Support the Whole Energy Network Development Manager in the development of post-study publications and ongoing insight papers relevant to assigned energy sector, cluster or vector, to support key participants in the UK energy markets in their planning and to help position NESO as the thought leader in the energy area.
• As required, support the Whole Energy Network Development Manager in the collation and development of materials / reports that communicate the insights and analysis of energy studies and that can be used to share information with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyse and consider multiple options to resolve a particular issue, weigh up the costs and benefits and make recommendations of actions.

About you

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:

• Understanding of the energy sector - knowledge of the structure, regulatory environment and the short- and long-term issues affecting the industry.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience of working with data in different formats. Experience of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) may be an advantage.
• Ability to translate data and analysis into value-adding insights, commentary and recommendations that inform decision making.
• Expertise in network planning and design - including the ability to think holistically across energy vectors to bring together a whole energy systems approach.
• A deep understanding of one or more elements of the whole energy system from a technical perspective (i.e. engineering, economics).   Whilst economics or engineering academic qualifications are attractive, other academic disciplines (for example, mathematics, physical sciences, IT/computing, business/finance, geo-sciences, social sciences, law, and politics) provide other skills which are just as important to understanding the whole energy system and the energy transition, so we welcome applications regardless of academic discipline. 

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £55,000 - £65,000pa – 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%.

As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong, with professional and personal growth and positive well-being.

• Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and maximise your potential along your career journey.
• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table.
• Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.

More Information

This role closes on 5th May 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.

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.

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