About the role

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.

The Network Modelling team plays a vital role in the planning and operation of the entire Electricity Transmission System across England, Scotland, and Wales. The team’s primary responsibility is the ongoing maintenance and development of the Operational Model – a PowerFactory derived model of the entire GB transmission system, that is used by our Planning and Control Room departments for short, medium, and long term planning, from day ahead to up to 8 years ahead. Alongside the existing Operational Model, our team are currently developing a new bespoke Planning Model that is vital to the success of the Centralised Strategic Network Plan (CSNP), a new Ofgem initiative that requires analysis for up to 20+ years into the future.

We are continuously improving our models to ensure the functionality of current and future technologies such as Grid Forming Plant, Multi Terminal HVDC, and Inverter Based Resources (IBRs) are accurately represented across our products. This initiative is underpinned by the implementation of GC0141 in 2022, for which the Network Modelling team enacts model validation prior to inclusion into our products. Where models are unavailable, the team uses detailed asset data and reports to develop and tune suitable in-house models using the WECC standard.

Alongside this, the Network Modelling team develops bespoke reduced models for 3rd party use, primarily for customers connecting new assets to facilitate compliance studies such as controller interaction and SSTI.

Our team actively engages with industry participants including but not limited to; Transmission Owners, Distribution Network Operators, Generators, and OEMs to promote the sharing of data and best practices, maximising the accuracy and effectiveness of our collective system modelling capabilities.

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.

We would like candidates to apply with a CV and Covering Letter, as we are keen to understand your experience and motivation for your application.

About us

Traditionally, Britain’s energy system has been split into two areas – gas and electricity – but to ensure that Britain’s energy system is secure and affordable there needs to be co-ordination across the whole energy system, with one single entity responsible for translating policy into immediate strategy. National Energy System Operator (NESO) will bring unparalleled change.

Forge a path to a sustainable future for everyone.
Your energy, our future, together.

About the National Energy System Operator (NESO)

In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator is 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, are now 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 is 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 was the ESO, 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.

About you

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. Due to the growing uncertainty of the energy landscape, there is a requirement to adapt how we model and perform analysis of the transmission network. We are seeking individuals who not only have a demonstrable understanding of the fundamentals of power system operation and extensive experience with industry standard software packages for assessments (such as DigSILENT PowerFactory/PSCAD), but also have proven stakeholder management skills to enable effective delivery of transformative projects to realise customer, industry, and business benefits.

We’re looking to recruit experts in their field who have the following skills:

Essential:

• In depth Power System knowledge of current and future technologies, transmission networks operation and offshore network development.
• In depth knowledge and experience with DIgSILENT, PowerFactory or other Power System simulation software and integrated scripting functionality (to automate, for example, aspects of Load Flow Analysis).
• Experience in RMS and/or EMT model development, verification, and testing.
• Experience in developing WECC equivalent models to accurately replicate the performance of user/OEM provided models.
• Proven stakeholder and customer management skills.
• Knowledge of key industry frameworks, codes, and technical challenges.
• Good level of competence in producing written reports and presentations to internal and/or external audiences.
• A strong questioning attitude and ability to challenge appropriately and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills.

Desirable:
• Experience in managing projects from conception through to completion.
• Familiarity with process optimisation techniques and identification of best practices

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £51000 – £74000 – 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

As a Network Modelling engineer you will:

• Design, maintain, and tune fit-for-purpose models using the WECC standard for existing and new grid technologies including but not limited to, Synchronous Generators, Inverter Based Resources (IBRs), HVDC (including multi terminal), Grid Forming Plant, SVCs, and Synchronous Condensers.
• Verify, test, and incorporate User submitted models into transmission wide master models in our power system analysis tools, ensuring the integrity and performance of the system is maintained.
• Audit and maintain data sets for transmission connected assets.
• Develop bespoke reduced models for 3rd parties to enable connection compliance studies such as controller interaction and SSTI.
• Manage model queries through to completion, ensuring prompt response and resolution of customer queries.
• Collaborate with industry parties providing input for code and policy change initiatives, offer engineering compliance guidance, and influence data sharing essential to Transmission planning and operation.
• Lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders to understand current and future modelling requirements, share modelling best practice, and identify modelling improvements that will yield business benefits.
• Understand and discharge our legislative commitments appropriately (Grid Code, STCP, European code (ECC), etc).
• Drive continuous improvement of Modelling Processes and standards.

More information

This role closes on 13th October 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 in the w.c. 21st and 28th October 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.

On 1 October 2024, we're becoming the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
NESO’s new careers site goes live on Monday 7 October. In the meantime, you’ll still see National Grid branding. The job application process remains the same.

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