Control Systems Engineer

Alternative Networks (now part of Daisy Group); Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 77,000; Full time

Job description

80607 - Control Systems Engineer

This Control Systems Engineer will report to the Control Systems Modelling Manager and will work within the Strategy Regulation and Support Services, Control Systems and Automation directorate based in our Ipswich office. You will be a permanent employee.

You will attract a salary of £76,229.00 and a bonus of 3%. This role can also offer blended working after probationary period (6 months) - 3 days in the office and 2 remote.

Close Date: 18/04/2025.

We Also Provide The Following Additional Benefits

• 25 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays.
• Reservist Leave – Additional 18 days full pay and 22 unpaid.
• Personal Pension Plan – Personal contribution rates of 4% or 5% (UK Power Networks will make a corresponding contribution of 8% or 10%).
• Tenancy Loan Deposit Scheme, Season Ticket Loan.
• Tax efficient benefits: Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, and Green Car Leasing Schemes.
• Occupational Health support.
• Switched On – scheme providing discount on hundreds of retailers’ products.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

Job Purpose

The Control Systems Engineer (Modelling & Power Analysis) develops and maintains network models and power analysis functions to support the control system and wider business partners.

As part of the Control Systems Modelling Team, you will focus on analysing, interpreting, and standardising data using engineering judgment and industry best practices. You will support projects related to power flow analysis, network design principles, and control system enhancements, ensuring agreement on our goals and regulatory requirements.

You will also contribute to innovation in network modelling, supporting the transition towards a more dynamic, automated, and data-driven electricity network.

Principal Accountabilities

Network Modelling & Power Analysis

• Develop accurate network models within control systems, ensuring they reflect real-world network conditions.
• Conduct power flow analysis to assess network performance, identify constraints, and improve operations.
• Standardise network data using engineering judgment and policy references, ensuring consistency and compliance with regulatory standards.

Control System Integration & Data Management

• Ensure seamless integration of network models into SCADA, DMS, and OMS applications.
• Work with partners to enhance model accuracy and resolve discrepancies between control system data and real-world network conditions.
• Help automate network modelling processes, using scripting languages and data engineering techniques.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Support

• Provide technical expertise on network modelling and power analysis to control engineers, planners, and other teams.
• Collaborate with IS, telecoms, and OT cybersecurity teams to ensure secure and reliable data management practices.
• Be a subject matter expert in network modelling, supporting strategic plans related to Smart Grid, Low Carbon, and Distribution System Operator (DSO) projects.

Testing, Validation & Compliance

• Validate model accuracy through testing, benchmarking, and collaboration with operational teams.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and internal policies.
• Participate in software upgrades, configuration changes, and system validation to maintain model integrity.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to improve network modelling practices using new technologies and analytical tools.
• Contribute to research and development projects aimed at enhancing the role of power system modelling within the business.
• Help implement automation, machine learning, and AI-driven solutions to improve network modelling processes.

Nature And Scope

You will play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of network models within UK Power Networks' control systems. By supporting power flow analysis, network design, and data standardisation, you will contribute to safer, smarter, and more resilient network operations.

As part of the Control Systems Modelling Team, you will collaborate across multiple departments, ensuring that network models align with operational needs, regulatory requirements, and future energy system developments.

The ambition is to establish UK Power Networks as an industry leader in control system modelling and power analysis, supporting the transition towards a more digital and data-driven electricity network.

Above all, the post holder must have the vision and technical expertise to drive innovation and excellence in network modelling and control system integration.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry qualifications.
• Experience with power flow theory and applications within control systems.
• Knowledge of network design principles, including system topology, protection coordination, and load flow studies.
• Experience in control systems applications (SCADA, DMS, OMS) and their interaction with network models.
• Analyse, interpret, and standardise data using engineering judgment and policy references.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., SQL, Python) for data processing and automation.
• Stakeholder engagement skills.
• Desirable:
• Experience in Smart Grid, Low Carbon projects, or Distribution System Operator (DSO) initiatives.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles relevant to control systems and operational technology (OT).

Health & Safety Responsibilities

Managers and supervisors carry both legal and company responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of their employees, those under their control and those who might be affected by the work undertaken, i.e. public, visitors and employees of other organisations. This includes briefing individuals working for them and ensuring there is the necessary understanding, competence and application of requirements to work safely and without harming the environment.

Employees will ensure they understand the health and safety risks involved in their work activities and their responsibility to apply the controls needed to manage those risks to acceptable levels. Similarly where work activities can have an adverse impact upon the environment, and where there are legal requirements, employees will understand those impacts and the controls they must ensure are applied.

If in doubt ask!

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

If you have any queries in connection to this vacancy or your application, please contact us at [e-mail] quoting the vacancy reference number and a member of the team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.