Secondary Automation Engineer

National Grid; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is seeking a Secondary Automation Engineer to design, build and maintain automated workflows for power system models. You will work with data, develop tools and enable scalable modelling across multiple NGED licence areas.

You will apply Python/SQL, ETL techniques and data integration to improve analysis, automation, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams. Hybrid working is supported.

Qualifications

• Strong programming in Python with data-driven solutions and automation focus.
• Experience with SQL, data cleaning and large datasets using Pandas/NumPy.
• Familiarity with ETL pipelines, data transformation and CIM standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and improve automated processes for power system models and data workflows.
• Enhance analysis capabilities through tools, integrations and automation for faster insights.
• Improve data quality and interoperability with automated validation and transformation.
• Collaborate with engineering, IT&D and Geospatial teams to improve modelling workflows.
• Maintain NGED's secondary network modelling capability and outputs for stakeholders.
• Support regulatory and industry initiatives including CIM standards adoption.
• Provide training and guidance to Secondary Modelling Engineers.

Skills

Python

SQL

Pandas

NumPy

ETL

Education

STEM or IT degree

Tools

PSS Sincal

DINIS

PSSE

IPSA

PowerFactory

FME

Electric Office

EMU

CROWN

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Secondary Automation Engineer within the Secondary System Models and Data team in the Distribution System Operator (DSO). The successful candidate can be based from any of our sites across the East Midlands, West Midlands, the South West or South Wales.

The Secondary System Models and Data team plays a critical role in enabling the transition to a smarter, more flexible electricity network. We are responsible for developing and maintaining National Grid Electricity Distribution's (NGED) power system models and analysis tools covering the 11kV and Low Voltage network. Our work supports strategic network planning, operational decision-making, innovation and regulatory compliance through the application of advanced modelling, data analysis and software development techniques.

This role will report to the Secondary System Models Manager and the successful candidate will join a small but highly technical team of Engineers and Analysts working across all four NGED licence areas. You will design, build and maintain automation solutions that enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of NGED’s power system modelling and analytical workflows. This is an excellent opportunity to work at the forefront of distribution system operation, helping to shape the future of the electricity network while developing expertise in power systems, data analytics and engineering software solutions.

As part of our hybrid working approach, this role offers a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once your initial training is complete and subject to business needs

The successful candidate will have a degree in either a STEM or IT (e.g. programming or computer science) discipline.

Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.

You may initially be appointed on a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and continuously improve automated processes and workflows that support power system model build, data management and analytical outputs, ensuring delivery of high-quality, reliable network models.
• Enhance power system analysis capabilities through the development of tools, integrations and automation solutions, enabling faster delivery of network insights, scenario modelling, forecasting, and contingency analysis assessments to support informed decision-making.
• Drive improvements in data quality, consistency and interoperability by implementing automated validation and transformation processes, whilst integrating modelling platforms with business systems.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams across engineering, IT&D and Geospatial, whilst working with data owners and industry leading software vendors to improve modelling workflows, support digitalisation initiatives and deliver innovative business solutions.
• Support the maintenance and development of NGED's secondary network modelling capability, including master model creation, integration with primary network models, and the delivery of outputs to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to regulatory, stakeholder and industry-led initiatives including network reform and data exchange requirements, championing the adoption of CIM standards.
• Support Secondary Modelling Engineers through the delivery of training, workshops and technical guidance relating to power system modelling and analysis.

Ideal Candidate

The ability to present information in a clear and reasoned way, together with an open yet analytical approach to problem solving, and good computer skills are essential to the role. The successful candidate will embrace an automate-first mindset, seeking opportunities to improve efficiency and deliver lasting business value.

Experience in Python and SQL for the development of data-driven solutions, process automation, and data integration is essential. Applicants should have practical experience using Python libraries such as Pandas and NumPy for the cleansing, transformation, validation, and analysis of large and complex datasets.

Experience developing and supporting robust ETL pipelines for the extraction, transformation, and loading of data from disparate systems is advantageous. Experience working with geospatial and network datasets, alongside the use of FME for spatial data transformation, integration, and automation, would be desirable.

Experience with power system software including PSS Sincal, DINIS, PSSE, IPSA or PowerFactory would be beneficial.

You must be reliable, well organised and be able to work effectively as part of a small team and geographically dispersed team. Excellent IT, numeracy and literacy skills are essential. Experience with NGED internal systems e.g. Electric Office, EMU, PowerOn, and CROWN is desirable, although training will be given on the applications used.

You will engage with internal stakeholders on a regular basis, so strong communication skills are crucial. You will proactively identify opportunities to improve existing processes and work closely with the wider business to develop and implement new strategies.

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About Us

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses.

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand.