At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams to transform Great Britain's energy system for a sustainable future.
- Company: Join NESO, a pioneering organisation at the forefront of energy innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your individuality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy sustainability while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong software engineering background with experience in microservices and team management.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
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. The Engineering Managers for OBP will be responsible for owning and advancing the engineering practice within one of the core product areas in the Balancing Transformation programme. This role is suited to an engineering leader with deep hands‑on experience, strong architectural awareness, and proven capability operating in multi‑vendor delivery environments. You will guide engineering excellence, ensure high‑quality product delivery, and manage cross‑functional engineering teams—including vendor engineers—within a complex, high‑performing ecosystem. Your leadership will directly influence product reliability, delivery velocity, engineering culture, and long‑term technical strategy. This role can be based from Wokingham, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.
Key Accountabilities
- Own and evolve the engineering practice for a defined OBP product area within the Balancing Transformation Programme.
- Provide strong technical leadership across distributed, multi‑vendor engineering teams.
- Define and uphold engineering standards, development guardrails, reusable patterns, and microservice best practices.
- Translate architectural direction into actionable engineering plans and ensure high‑quality, production‑ready delivery.
- Drive improvements in test automation, CI/CD, observability, and DevOps maturity.
- Ensure clear documentation and remediation planning for technical debt.
- Proactively manage engineering risks, integration dependencies, and quality across internal and vendor teams.
- Partner with Product Managers, Solution Architects, Delivery Managers, and UX to shape product delivery and technical roadmap.
- Grow and empower engineering leads by providing frameworks, coaching, and technical direction that enables them to challenge and uplift their squads.
About You
- Strong software engineering background with hands‑on experience in microservices or distributed system architectures.
- End‑to‑end engineering proficiency including CI/CD pipelines, DevOps tooling, automated testing, observability, and operational readiness.
- Deep expertise in one of the following technical areas: Data Science or Optimisation / Planning Models, Real‑time or event‑driven systems, Transactional systems, Responsive front‑end engineering and modern UI frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to drive delivery, navigate ambiguity, and make pragmatic engineering decisions.
- Strong leadership and people management skills with experience mentoring engineering leads and multi‑vendor teams.
- Ability to rapidly understand business context, product domain, and complex problem statements, and translate them into engineering direction.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to set expectations, challenge constructively, and strengthen team culture.
Desirable Skills
- Experience working in highly regulated, mission‑critical, or real‑time operational environments.
- Knowledge of power systems, Balancing Mechanism, or energy industry domains.
- Familiarity with cloud‑native architectures, event streaming, or large‑scale data platforms.
- Background in designing or supporting optimisation engines, forecasting models, or decision‑support tools.
- Prior experience improving engineering maturity across multiple delivery partners.
About What You’ll Get
A competitive salary of circa £64,000 – £74,000 – dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 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.
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 05/03/2026 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.
Don’t Miss Out!
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NESO, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for everyone. So, 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. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.
Engineering Manager - NESO in Wokingham employer: National Grid
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. Our Wokingham location provides a supportive environment with flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote employee well-being and professional growth. Join us in shaping a cleaner energy future while enjoying opportunities for personal development and being part of a diverse community that values your unique contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager - NESO in Wokingham
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Engineering Manager - NESO role you’re after at National Grid.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at National Grid a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at National Grid.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Engineering Manager - NESO at National Grid, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager - NESO in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Manager - NESO, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at National Grid a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to National Grid specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with National Grid, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like National Grid want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
