Power System Engineer

National Energy System Operator; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Company performance bonus

Pension with matched contributions

Job summary

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is seeking a senior role to provide strategic direction for EMT modelling and advanced system simulations. You will analyse system interactions as GB moves toward high IBR penetration and zero-carbon operation, guiding regulators and internal teams.

The role offers hybrid working from multiple locations, with a competitive salary and strong pension and bonus potential. Applicants should have leadership experience and deep knowledge of power system dynamics.

Qualifications

• Has excellent understanding of power system modelling and analysis.
• Has leadership skills and can mentor others.
• Understands transmission system operation standards, codes, policy and procedure to regulators and stakeholders.
• Can lead a detailed assessment of new operational risks involving new technologies.
• Proficient in each type of dynamic simulation tool and can interpret models to identify discrepancies.

Responsibilities

• Carry out EMT modelling and analysis to investigate future operability challenges with high penetration of IBRs.
• Assess RMS and EMT simulation tools and models to understand their algorithms and performance; identify discrepancies and propose recommendations.
• Provide technical authority to review and assess results for future connections.
• Carry out ad-hoc complex EMT assessments as required by senior managers or regulators.
• Lead the integration of new technologies into the network to enable operability strategy development.
• Develop and deliver new tools and solutions for future system operation analysis.
• Lead delivery of ongoing NIA funded innovation projects.
• Represent NESO on development of EMT modelling and analysis capability.

Skills

Power system modelling

EMT analysis

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

RMS

EMT tools

Job description

About The Role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is on a journey towards a sustainable and secure energy future. Together we build on this momentum, advancing the NESO plan for Net-Zero carbon operability of the electricity system.

About The Role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is on a journey towards a sustainable and secure energy future. Together we build on this momentum, advancing the NESO plan for Net-Zero carbon operability of the electricity system.

Changes in the energy system over the last decade have resulted in the high penetration of Inverter Based Resources (IBR) and reduction in the conventional synchronous generators in the system. With the high penetration of IBR resources, system phenomenon such as system stability, control interactions between the plants and oscillation issues need to be analysed. This requires detailed Electro Magnetic Transient (EMT) model and analysis capabilities. As we move to enable the zero-carbon operation of the system by 2025 and beyond, we need to carry out required EMT analysis to ensure that we would be able to operate the system with only renewable sources of energy.

The Operability Innovation team is responsible for developing EMT models to represent the wider GB electricity network and carrying out system analysis for the future network with high penetration of Inverter Based Resources (IBR). Operability Innovation team is also responsible for developing and delivering innovation projects to meet the future operational challenges. Whist doing this, we engage with various teams within NESO and with a wide range of external stakeholders.

This role is to provide strategic direction to the Operability Innovation team on ongoing development and implementation of EMT modelling and advanced system simulation studies that enable analysis on control system interactions and power quality analysis. This role purpose to be the technical authority on carrying out EMT modelling and analysis to investigate the system events and for planning the future networks.

This role can be based from Warwick, Wokingham 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.

Key Accountabilities

• To carry out EMT modelling and analysis to investigate future operability challenges with the high penetration of IBRs.


• To assess both RMS and EMT simulation tools and models to understand their underlying algorithms and performance, to identify the root cause of any discrepancies between them and to propose authoritative recommendations to our existing dynamic analysis approach.


• Provide the technical authority to critically review and assess the results submitted by customers for the future connections.


• Provide the framework to carry out ad-hoc complex EMT assessments, as required by senior managers or the regulator, to explore the potential cause for the system events.


• Lead the assessment and integration of new technologies into existing network to enable a credible operability strategy to be developed.


• Lead to the development and delivery of new and innovative tools and solutions required for future system operation analysis.


• Lead on delivery of ongoing NIA funded innovation projects.


• Lead and represent NESO internally and externally on the development of EMT modelling and analysis capability.

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

• Has excellent understanding of power system modelling and analysis, in depth knowledge of generator dynamic behaviour and power electronics and can transpose that information into RMS and EMT analysis.


• Has great leadership skills and can mentor others.


• Has excellent understanding of transmission system operation standards, codes, policy and procedure to regulators, and customer and stakeholders throughout the industry.


• Can recommend and justify amendments when needed.


• Can lead a detailed assessment of new operational risks involving new technologies.


• Is proficient in each type of dynamic simulation tool and can interpret models to understand their underlying algorithms and performance, to identify the root cause of any discrepancies and to propose authoritative recommendations to align different tools.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £56,000 - £66,000pa dependent on experience and capability

As well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package.

• 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

More Information

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.