Senior Technical Lead

Senior Technical Lead

Full-Time 56000 - 68000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
National Energy System Operator Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative AI projects and shape the future of energy systems.
  • Company: Join NESO, a forward-thinking company driving transformation in energy operations.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace encouraging applicants from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on energy innovation while developing your technical skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in optimisation and AI, with strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 56000 - 68000 £ per year.

The Volta Senior Technical Lead will work as part of the Volta Programme Team within the wider Innovation Team. They will influence the technical direction of NESO’s flagship transformation programme on future system operations enabled through AI and optimisation. The Senior Technical Lead will support all innovation projects within the Volta Programme umbrella, including AI-enhanced forecasting, scenario assessment for operation under uncertainty and optimisation of complex systems. The role will involve engagement with external suppliers, technical due diligence of innovative solutions and working with internal delivery teams to ensure alignment and a smooth transition of solutions from innovation to business‑as‑usual operations.

The position can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, with a flexible hybrid working arrangement (minimum two days in office per week).

Key Accountabilities
  • Contribute to defining the technical vision and strategy for the programme, ensuring alignment with NESO’s goals and the future control room roadmap.
  • Lead the design of scalable, secure technical solutions and identify potential roadblocks to mitigate technical risks.
  • Conduct technical due diligence of projects, validate proof of concepts against predefined criteria and oversee the transition of solutions to delivery teams.
  • Evaluate technical feasibility and identify risks early, collaborating with stakeholders to facilitate a smooth handover and implementation.
  • Drive continuous improvement, refine processes, methodologies and capabilities, and foster a culture of learning and experimentation with emerging technologies.
About You
  • Experience with optimisation, including mixed‑integer linear programming and advanced AI methods.
  • Familiarity with decision‑making under uncertainty, including scenario‑based assessment.
  • Good understanding of machine‑learning techniques and their application to power systems.
  • Passionate about applied innovation and problem solving, with a detail‑oriented mindset.
  • Strong communication and writing skills.
  • Knowledge of power‑system operations and future energy systems, including decarbonisation.
Qualifications
  • Educated to degree level in a related discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
  • Masters or Doctorate in a relevant subject area is desirable.
  • Applicants do not need to meet every single requirement – we encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
What You’ll Get
  • Competitive salary £56,000 – £68,000, dependent on experience.
  • Bonus based on company performance.
  • 26 days annual leave.
  • Competitive contributory pension scheme with a double match up to a maximum of 12%.
  • Annual enrolment to NESO Savings Plan, with 50% matching contribution on savings of £20–£500 per month.
  • Flexible benefits including bank holidays and holiday trading, birthday day off, cycle‑to‑work scheme, retail and gym discounts, private medical insurance, critical illness and personal accident insurance.
Equal Opportunities

NESO is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for everyone. We encourage people of all genders, ethnicities, backgrounds and experience levels to apply, even if they do not meet every single qualification.

Application Deadline

This role closes at 23:59 on the day before the date shown above. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Senior Technical Lead employer: National Energy System Operator Limited

At NESO, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Senior Technical Lead role provides not only competitive salaries and generous benefits, including a robust pension scheme and flexible working arrangements, but also ample opportunities for professional growth in the rapidly evolving field of AI and optimisation. With our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we create an environment where every employee can thrive and contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of energy systems.

National Energy System Operator Limited

Contact Details:

National Energy System Operator Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Technical Lead

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at NESO. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with optimisation and AI projects. Use real examples to demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results.

Ask Smart Questions

During interviews, come prepared with insightful questions about the Volta Programme and its future direction. This shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework, which can really impress the hiring team.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the NESO family!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Technical Lead

Technical Vision and Strategy Development
Optimisation Techniques
Mixed-Integer Linear Programming
AI Methods
Decision-Making Under Uncertainty
Scenario-Based Assessment
Machine Learning Techniques

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Technical Lead. Highlight your experience with optimisation and AI methods, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills in power systems.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about applied innovation and how your background aligns with NESO’s goals. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your personality!

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Strong communication is key for this role. In your application, demonstrate your ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly. Whether it’s through your writing style or examples of past collaborations, let us see your skills in action.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at National Energy System Operator Limited

Know Your Tech Inside Out

As a Senior Technical Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in optimisation and AI methods. Brush up on mixed-integer linear programming and be ready to discuss how you've applied machine-learning techniques in real-world scenarios. This will show that you can contribute to the technical vision of the Volta Programme.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions about decision-making under uncertainty and scenario assessments. Think of examples from your past experiences where you had to evaluate risks and make informed decisions. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to handle complex situations.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Strong communication is key for this role, especially when engaging with external suppliers and internal teams. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to align stakeholders and ensure smooth transitions from innovation to business operations.

Emphasise Continuous Improvement

The role involves driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of learning. Be prepared to discuss how you've refined processes or methodologies in previous roles. Share specific examples of how you've embraced emerging technologies to enhance project outcomes.