DSO Engineer

An opportunity has arisen for a DSO Engineer in the Primary System Models and Data team within the Distribution System Operator (DSO). The role is to be based at one of our main offices in Bristol, Cardiff, Castle Donnington or Tipton. The Primary System Models and Data team are responsible for maintaining National Grid Electricity Distribution’s (NGED) offline power system models and power system software covering 132 kV to 11 kV, developing engineering tooling, improving analysis techniques and compiling technical aspects of various data submissions. The successful candidate will join an existing team of engineers, data analysts and programmers distributed across all four of National Grid Electricity Distribution’s licence areas. As part of our hybrid working approach this role offers a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once your initial training is complete and subject to business need.

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.

Main Responsibilities

• Maintenance and development of offline power system models, including detailed electrical information, equivalent networks and supporting datasets.
• Provision of modern power system analysis software, such as PSS®E, IPSA and PowerFactory to support effective network planning and strategic analysis.
• Development and support of new and existing analysis tools to support semi-automated network planning, strategic analysis, network insights and calculation of specialist datasets.
• Development of internal modelling and analysis capability including use of scenario-based planning, energy forecasting and network security compliance assessment.
• Calculation of specialist datasets to support regulatory, Grid Code and industry obligations.
• Provision and analysis of technical data between NGED and both internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise with internal teams to provide modelling expertise and advice, improve ways of working and embed business efficiency.

The Ideal Candidate

• Self‑motivated and demonstrates a clear knowledge of the principles and challenges associated with power system modelling, associated datasets and development of scripts/tooling.
• 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.
• Process driven, focus on data quality and an ‘automate‑first’ approach to drive business efficiency.
• Prior experience with power systems software such as PSS®E, IPSA, Sincal or PowerFactory and experience with scripting languages, particularly Python, DPL or IPL would be extremely advantageous.
• Strong understanding of data set manipulation and interrogation using SQL, Microsoft Access and Pandas would also be particularly beneficial.
• Reliable, well organised and able to work effectively as part of a distributed team.
• Excellent IT skills are essential and experience with NGED internal systems (e.g. Electric Office, EMU, ADMS, CROWN, Jira and GitLab) is desirable, although training will be given on the applications used.

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. Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.