At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and enhance software for smart grid solutions using cutting-edge technologies.
- Company: Join a leading engineering company transforming the UK's electricity system.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, mentoring, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on advanced smart grid projects while expanding your tech skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software development with strong .NET and cloud experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
UK Networks Services (UKNS) is an engineering company at the forefront of the UKs transition to a smarter, more flexible electricity system. Our work spans two core areas:
- Technical grid consulting - advising on complex grid connections, regulatory strategy, and power system planning for some of the UKs most significant infrastructure projects.
- Smart grid control systems - designing and deploying advanced automation, monitoring, and control solutions that enable customers to connect, manage and optimise energy assets across large, distributed networks.
Within the smart grid side of the business, we design and integrate systems that combine PLC-based control, SCADA, metering, protection, and real-time data platforms. These systems are deployed on projects such as grid-scale load management, site-wide export limitation, substation automation and dynamic network control.
As a Systems Developer, you will build and enhance the software and data systems that underpin our smart grid solutions. This role is aimed at a .NET developer with solid experience who wants to expand into cloud, IoT and systems engineering. You will work across edge devices, cloud platforms and real-world infrastructure, gaining exposure well beyond a typical software role. You will work closely with the CTO and engineering teams to deliver scalable, reliable systems that connect devices, process data and provide meaningful insights to customers.
What you'll be doing:
- Develop software for IoT edge devices using .NET and Node-RED
- Design and develop database architectures and data models
- Build and enhance IoT control systems using MQTT and Modbus
- Develop and improve customer-facing SCADA and data visualisation platforms
- Create automated provisioning, deployment and testing systems via APIs and device automation
- Build reporting systems for customers, devices and internal operations
- Improve data export, processing and integration pipelines
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in system performance and efficiency
- Support and maintain Azure-based environments
- Manage and optimise SQL databases
- Maintain cloud and on-premise virtual machines
- Support mobile gateway infrastructure and VPN connectivity
- Manage SIM-based connectivity across deployed devices
- Maintain and monitor MQTT messaging infrastructure
- Support and enhance Grafana dashboards and customer reporting tools
Requirements
Essential qualifications & experience:
- Minimum 5 years experience in software development
- Strong experience with the Microsoft stack (.NET, C#, SQL Server)
- Strong experience with JSON
- Experience working with APIs and system integration
- Experience with cloud platforms (preferably Azure)
- Strong problem-solving ability and practical mindset
Desirable:
- Experience with IoT technologies (MQTT, Modbus)
- Familiarity with Node-RED or similar tools
- Experience with Grafana or data visualisation platforms
- Understanding of networking concepts (VPNs, routing, gateways)
Benefits
What's in it for you:
- £45,000 - £55,000 salary depending on experience
- Opportunity to work on some of the UKs most advanced smart grid control projects
- Direct coaching and mentoring from an experienced CTO
- Exposure to industrial control systems, IoT and energy infrastructure
- Support to attain relevant certifications
- Clear career progression within a growing, innovation-focused company
- Company bonus scheme
- Enhanced employers contribution pension scheme
- Death in Service benefit policy
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Bike to work, Electric Vehicles)
- 25 Days of annual leave plus local bank holidays
- Days available to volunteer for local clubs/charities
- £300 available for sponsorship of local club or charity
- Professional registration fees paid annually
- On-site parking
Note: To be eligible for this job you must have the right to work in the UK, we currently do not sponsor applications for employment visa status.
UKNS values diversity in the workplace and is a fair and equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an equal and inclusive working environment, with the aim that our employees will be truly representative of all sections of society and that each person feels respected and able to give their best.
Systems Developer in Watford employer: UK Networks Services
UK Networks Services (UKNS) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of the UK's energy transition. As a Systems Developer, you will benefit from direct mentorship from experienced leaders, opportunities for professional growth in cutting-edge technologies, and a supportive culture that values diversity and community engagement. With competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a commitment to employee well-being, UKNS stands out as a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Developer in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local events related to smart grid technology. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving .NET, IoT, or cloud platforms. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply blindly! Tailor your approach for each application. Research the company, understand their projects, and mention how your experience aligns with their needs. It shows you’re genuinely interested and not just sending out generic applications.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives you a better chance of being noticed by our hiring team. So, don’t hesitate – get your application in today!
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Developer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Systems Developer role. Highlight your experience with .NET, cloud platforms, and any IoT technologies you've worked with. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about smart grid solutions and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, make sure to mention them! Whether it's software development or system integration, we love seeing real-world examples of your work that demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
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, it shows us you're keen on joining our innovative team at UK Networks Services!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Networks Services
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Microsoft stack, especially .NET and C#. Brush up on your SQL skills too, as they’ll likely ask you about database architectures and data models. Being able to discuss your experience with APIs and system integration will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you tackled them. This role requires a strong problem-solving ability, so having concrete examples ready will demonstrate your practical mindset and readiness for the job.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IoT Technologies
Since the position involves working with IoT edge devices, it’s crucial to understand technologies like MQTT and Modbus. If you have experience with Node-RED or similar tools, be sure to highlight that during the interview. It shows you’re not just a developer but someone who understands the broader context of the systems you'll be working on.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s smart grid projects, their approach to cloud platforms, or how they integrate real-time data into their systems. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
