Operational Performance Engineer - NESO

Title: Operational Performance Engineer - NESO

Location: Wokingham, GB, RG41 5BN

Division: NESO Operational Readiness

Job Type:

Requisition Number: 61510

Department: ESO

Job Function: Engineering

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.

We're seeking an Operational Performance Engineer to support vital teams and contribute to the integrity and reliability of energy supply across Great Britain.

As an Operational Performance Engineer, you'll collaborate with a variety of teams, including network access planning, market requirements, generator contracts, operational readiness, and corporate affairs. Your insights will be key in preparing board meeting reports, analysing performance data, identifying trends, and contributing to developing optimised solutions for operating the electricity system. You’ll ensure our control room is equipped with the necessary information to manage the network effectively. This operational role is highly visible and offers the chance to make a significant impact. Be part of a team that directly contributes to maintaining the security of the electricity supply.

This role can be based from Wokingham, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.

Key accountabilities

• Manage the Operational Performance Review Board (OPRB) to track and enhance operational performance.
• Drive and develop optimised system operational strategies based on information gathered from various interface teams for unusual national events.
• Negotiate and agree on the operational plan for real-time control room operations.
• Work with a virtual team of peers across the organization to effectively manage critical operations, such as Winter Peak and Summer Minimum.
• Collaborate with technical experts in unfamiliar subject areas to drive and develop operation strategies for the ENCC (Electricity National Control Centre), quickly gaining sufficient understanding to provide technical support, expert advice, and guidance on system optimisation.
• Maintain positive relationships with industry interfaces, including DESNZ, OFGEM, Generators, Transmission Operators (TOs), and Distribution Network Operators (DNOs).

About you

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has:

• Technical Knowledge: A solid understanding of power system operations, with a desire to deepen your knowledge of NESO operating principles and energy management.
• Academic Background: Degree in engineering, energy management, or a related field, with some relevant experience or internships preferred.
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Analytical Mindset: Strong analytical and organisational skills, with an attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive under pressure, meet deadlines, and collaborate with virtual teams effectively.

This mid-level role offers a unique opportunity to grow your career while making a tangible impact on the security and reliability of the UK’s electricity supply.

Apply now to advance your career in the energy sector!

About what you’ll get

A competitive salary between £50000 – 61000 – 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.

About us

The creation of National Energy System Operator (NESO) is driven by an urgent need to unify and optimise our approach to energy. A more integrated and coordinated strategy is needed to meet the unprecedented challenges of climate change, ensuring secure energy supply, and keeping costs manageable for consumers. Join us and empower your potential, energise our team, and be part of something bigger. 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.

More information

This role closes on 2nd December 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. 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.