At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative AI projects and optimise complex systems for a sustainable energy future.
- Company: Join NESO, a pioneering organisation in the energy sector focused on decarbonisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving the future of energy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while advancing your career in tech.
- Qualifications: Experience in optimisation and AI, with a passion for problem-solving.
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 be involved in 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 smooth transition of solutions from innovation to business‑as‑usual operations. This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working. A minimum of two days a week is expected in the office. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will need to be able to attend the Wokingham office regularly, roughly once a week, when there are relevant meetings. We are open to flexible working arrangements.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to defining the technical vision and strategy for the programme, ensuring it aligns with NESO’s goals and future control room’s roadmap.
- Lead the design of technical solutions, ensuring they are scalable, secure and aligned with best practices.
- Identify potential roadblocks and work with relevant teams to mitigate technical risks.
Validation And Transition To Production
- Technical due diligence of projects.
- Ensure that proof of concepts generated from innovation projects undergo rigorous validation and meet predefined criteria before transitioning them to delivery teams for production.
- Evaluate the technical feasibility of projects and identify potential risks early in the project.
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to facilitate a smooth handover and implementation process, providing necessary support and guidance as needed.
Continuous Improvement And Learning
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement and learning within the programme, leveraging feedback, insights, and lessons learned from all projects.
- Refine processes, methodologies, and capabilities based on insights gained, aiming to enhance innovation excellence across the organization.
- Encourage and support experimentation with emerging technologies and methodologies to stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
By fulfilling these accountabilities, you will contribute to the successful validation and transition of innovation projects, drive continuous improvement and learning, optimise processes, and foster collaboration within the Innovation Programme.
About You
- Experience of optimisation, understanding of both mixed integer linear programming as well as advanced AI methods.
- Familiarity with decision making under uncertainty approaches, including scenario‑based assessment.
- Good understanding of machine learning techniques, AI/ML applications in power systems.
- Passionate about applied innovation.
- Deep understanding of power system operations.
- Knowledge of future energy systems including decarbonisation.
- A detail‑oriented mindset.
- A passion for problem solving and critical thinking.
- Strong communicator with excellent writing skills.
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.
We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for everyone. If you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway.
What You’ll Get
- A competitive salary of £56,000 - £68,000 dependent on experience and capability.
- You will receive a bonus based on company performance.
- 26 days annual leave as standard.
- A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
- Annual enrollment to NESO Savings Plan; when you save between £20-£500 a month from your take‑home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.
Benefits
- Flexible bank holidays & holiday trading.
- Additional birthday day off.
- Cycle to work scheme, retail & gym discounts.
- Private medical insurance, critical illness insurance & personal accident insurance.
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain’s energy future. We already operate the world’s fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon‑free for a short period this year, provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030. In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO – an independent, expert public corporation with a whole‑system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users. Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system‑wide benefit, long‑term value and public value. The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future. Your energy. Our future. Together.
More Information
This role closes at 23:59 on the day before the date shown above, 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 believe potential comes in many forms and we’re committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring to our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Senior Technical Lead in Wokingham employer: National Energy System Operator
At NESO, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for continuous learning and development, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme and flexible working arrangements. Located in Wokingham or Warwick, our hybrid working model allows for a balanced approach to work and life, making NESO an ideal place for those passionate about driving the future of energy.
Contact Details:
National Energy System Operator Recruitment Team
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