Network Development Engineer

National Energy System Operator; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus based on company performance

26 days annual leave

Pension scheme with employer match

NESO Savings Plan with 50% matching

Job summary

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is seeking a Network Development Engineer to join the Strategic Energy Planning function. You will develop strategic network designs for England, Wales and Scotland, collaborating with network owners and stakeholders to identify developments and review options for future transmission networks while considering outages, generation output and operability.

You will lead in developing technical methodologies for network planning and communicate design

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge and experience of GB electricity transmission or distribution network design.
• Knowledge of GB Transmission or distribution network planning processes (e.g., NOA) is ideal but not essential.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, able to explain complex technical issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic network designs for England, Wales and Scotland.
• Collaborate with network owners and stakeholders to identify required network developments.
• Review and design options for future transmission networks considering outages, generation, and operability.
• Lead on development of technical methodologies for network planning to ensure holistic plans.
• Share design recommendations and trade-offs to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Engage across industry to surface challenges and shape long-term energy plans.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Electrical network knowledge

Job description

About The Role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) are looking for a Network Development Engineers to join our Strategic Energy Planning function. This exciting role brings unique opportunities for the person with a passion to accelerate our progress to net zero by helping solve engineering challenges in developing energy networks and setting strategic direction for energy network plans.

The Transmission and Distribution Interface & the Electricity Network Plan Delivery teams are part of the Strategic Energy Planning directorate. They support the delivery of GB’s first Centralised Strategic Network Plan which outlines the future of GB’s energy networks and a focus on developing asset plans to facilitate the interface between high and low voltage networks and transmission of power around GB.

Exploring your own curiosity and working with a range of subject specialists you can play an important part in developing design options, surfacing challenges and problems to solve, and engaging across the energy industry to shape future strategic plans. You could be responsible for evaluating how various network solutions can support the interface between transmission and distribution considering the network as a whole or supporting on the delivery of our network plans working closely with the network owners across GB. This involves applying creative, innovative, and systematic thinking to develop optimal solutions and network plans and clearly communicating these to a diverse range of stakeholders.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or Glasgow 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.

We are considering applications for either a L6, L7 or L8 position

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.

Key Accountabilities

• Developing strategic network designs for the future electricity network needs of England, Wales and Scotland (including connection of large-scale offshore wind farms and wider network requirements)
• Working with Transmission and Distribution Network Owners and other stakeholders to identify network developments required and review network design options
• Designing the future transmission network with careful consideration of asset outages, generation output, multi-criteria assessments, environmental and community impacts, as well as delivery and operability requirements.
• Collaborating with industry experts to develop practical solutions for technical challenges in future Net Zero network development, planning, and operation, while proactively managing emerging operational risks arising from the evolving industry landscape.
• Lead on development of technical methodologies for network planning to ensure our strategic energy plans remain holistic and meet network design objectives
• Share design recommendations and explain rationale and trade-offs to a range of technical and non-technical audiences (for example, technical reports, presentations, workshops etc.)

About You

• Passionate about achieving net zero in a sustainable and cost-effective way
• Experience of working with stakeholders who share the same passion and may see the same challenges from different points of view.
• Strong technical knowledge and experience of GB electricity transmission or distribution network design
• Knowledge of existing GB Transmission or distribution network planning process, for example Network Options Assessment (NOA)or Customer connection study processes is ideal but not essential
• Strong communicator with excellent writing skills, able to adapt style to explain complex technical issues in accessible ways.
• Proven ability to build high quality relationships both internally and externally and using those to achieve the required outcomes.
• 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

What You’ll Get

• A competitive salary of £54,000 - £71,000 dependent on experience and capability
• You will receive a bonus based on company performance
• 26 days annual leave as standard
• A 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

• 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.

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. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. 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.