At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy transition and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible benefits, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the electricity network and drive the journey to Net Zero.
- Qualifications: Experience in solution architecture and a passion for power systems engineering.
About Us
At National Grid, we light up the world by harnessing the unique strengths of our people. Join us as a Principle Solution Architect to be part of a team that's driving forward the energy transition, creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Job Purpose
Drive the design and delivery of Application Solution Architecture that shapes the electricity network of the future, supporting the journey to Net Zero and beyond.
What You’ll Do
- Lead solution architecture for key power system design applications and the Digital Twin system and integration strategy.
- Champion the execution of the Enterprise Architecture Strategy and Value Stream work.
- Design and implement digital technologies that optimise electricity network planning for the transmission network across England and Wales, ensuring solutions are secure, cost‑effective, and comply with NGET governance standards.
- Collaborate across teams to integrate systems and data, enabling advanced modelling, simulation, correlation and visualisation.
Key Responsibilities
Solution Architecture & Design
- Develop high‑level and detailed solution architectures, including High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR) strategies for power system applications.
- Size and set up virtual applications hosted on Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).
- Maintain comprehensive architectural documentation and diagrams.
- Document key design decisions and present conceptual solutions to stakeholders.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Explain complex technical concepts in clear, business‑friendly language for non‑technical stakeholders.
- Translate business needs into technical specifications and architectural artifacts (e.g., HLD, SoP, test plans).
Evaluation & Governance
- Assess and recommend technologies, frameworks, and tools to fit project needs.
- Conduct cost‑benefit analyses and feasibility studies for SaaS or cloud solutions.
- Drive solution governance and uphold architecture standards.
Technical Leadership
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to development teams.
- Gather, analyse, and validate functional and non‑functional requirements (performance, scalability, security).
- Identify risks and propose optimised solutions.
Cloud & Data Integration
- Develop cloud adoption strategies, roadmaps, and design patterns.
- Implement Azure PaaS components: Web Apps, Storage, SQL Database, Azure Data Factory (ADF), API Management.
- Integrate Snowflake, Data Fabric, Data Lake, Databricks, and ETL/ELT pipelines.
- Lead migration projects and enterprise system integration.
Ways of Working
- Work in Agile/Kanban environments.
- Adopt DevOps, CI/CD, and GitHub workflows.
- Value Streams and Process Driven Architectures.
About You
- An appreciation of power systems engineering and the willingness to learn more about it.
- Good understanding of network architectures and components.
- Knowledge of data controls and industry benchmarks.
- Exposure to digital twin solutions and applications such as ArcGIS, Geogrid, SCADA, Plexos, Maximo, PSCAD.
- Familiarity with network design and management products from companies like Aspentech, Siemens, DigSilent, IPS, Cognite.
What You’ll Get
A competitive salary between £70,000 - £87,000 dependent on capability. In addition to your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 30% of your salary for stretch performance 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 range of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving.
Application Closing Date
The closing date for this vacancy is 26th July. We encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date.
DE & I Statement
At National Grid, 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.
Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
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.
Principle Solution Architect in Warwick employer: National Grid
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration in the telecoms sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while providing opportunities for professional growth within the dynamic environment of the South West and South Wales. Our supportive culture encourages teamwork and ensures that you play a vital role in delivering secure and resilient communication solutions for the high-voltage electricity network.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principle Solution Architect in Warwick
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughNational Grid's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through National Grid's website for the full-time Principle Solution Architect role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Principle Solution Architect in Warwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at National Grid. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of National Grid.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to National Grid.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
