Temporary - Distribution System Operator Engineer

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.

Job Introduction

A temporary opportunity has arisen for an Engineer (Up to 12 months subject to review) in the Primary System Planning team within the Distribution System Operator based at Bristol, Cardiff, Tipton or Castle Donington.

The DSO Primary System Planning team is responsible for forecasting future load requirements of the network and analysis of 33, 66 and 132 kV networks to identify the long term strategic development of the electricity distribution network. The System Planning team is responsible for the management and publication of DSO processes, such as the Distribution Future Energy Scenarios, Network Development Plan and Distribution Network Options Assessment.

*Please note the successful candidate may initially be appointed at a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.

Main Responsibilities

• Development of internal modelling capability including use of scenario based planning, curtailment estimation, energy forecasting and security compliance assessment
• Analysis of customer behaviour from a variety of data sources to determine expected forecasts for energy and peak power demand.
• Analysis of the network using long term scenario based planning to identify strategic investment options and support the publication of the Network Development Plan.
• Identification of solutions to system deficiencies, including quantification of DSO service requirements that may be met by flexibility from third parties.
• Periodic assessment of network compliance with regard to security, voltage, and fault level.
• Liaise with other internal teams such as Primary Network Design and other DSO teams to ensure that analysis and results presented are accurate.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in performance and implement or recommend change.
• Identify own development needs and request development opportunities.
• Represent the Company on specialist groups or national working groups, as required.

The Ideal Candidate

You should be self-motivated and demonstrate a clear knowledge of the principles and issues associated with EHV network design.

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. 

An Electrical engineering degree or equivalent qualification/experience is desirable. Experience in SQL and Python (or a similar scripting language) is desirable. Experience with power system software including PSSE, IPSA or Power Factory is preferred.

National Grid Electricity Distribution is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company, colleagues and customers.This role is subject to a satisfactory Barring Service, ( DBS) check, depending on the role different levels of screening and vetting are required. Some roles require a triannual check.

About The Company

Joining the UK’s leading electricity distribution business means plenty of career opportunities and well-deserved recognition. We reward hard work and encourage ambition. So, as well as a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:

• 26 days paid leave plus 8 bank holidays, up to 28 days with continuous service
• Competitive contributory pension scheme (we double match your contributions up to a maximum of 12%)
• Annual Share Save plan
• Contributory private healthcare scheme for you and your family
• Support via our Employee Assistance Programme, including musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services
• Free on-site parking at all our main sites

Things you need to know

As an equal opportunities employer who is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, we celebrate individual difference and are actively bringing in more employees from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture. We anonymise all applications in our recruitment system so we can eliminate unconscious bias and be a workplace that reflects the community we serve. Hiring managers only have access to necessary information at interview stage. If you require additional support to complete your online application, please email nged.recruitment@nationalgrid.co.uk

Recruitment correspondence is usually sent by email, please check your email account including spam/junk folders regularly after the closing date.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient numbers of suitable applications be received, so it would be best to apply as soon as you can.