Job Introduction
An opportunity is available for a DSO Flexibility Engineer to join the Flexibility Markets Team. You will be based at either our Bristol or Castle Donnington site.
The Flexibility Markets team is a core function of the DSO. They are responsible for assessing volume of flexibility services required, the procurement of flexibility services, and shape the design of the flexibility markets.
National Grid DSO (Distribution System Operator) is essential in this transformation, planning the distribution network of the future to enable the energy transformation together with developing and operating flexibility markets to ensure a safe, secure network which is value for money for consumers.
The GB energy system is rapidly transforming as we target Clean Power by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The distribution network is vital in this transformation as we look to accommodate thousands of electric vehicles and heat pumps in people’s homes and connect large volumes of solar and wind. This will require us building out our network at a rate we have not seen this century. In addition, we need to operate the network in a dynamic, ‘smarter’ way, actively managing these distributed assets flexibly to support safer, secure, and economic operation of the system.
As part of our hybrid working approach and in line with our policy, this role allows you to apply for a mix of office and home working. Hybrid working can only be considered once your initial training is complete and subject to business need.
Depending on experience, you may initially be appointed at a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead the ongoing development of our in-house Market Gateway platform, translating customer and market needs into system and business process enhancements that support both short- and long-term flexibility trades.
- Lead on the design and publication of flexibility service requirements. This includes the identification of solutions to system needs that may be met by flexibility from third parties, quantification and pricing of these DSO service requirements and formulation of trade opportunities and supporting data sets.
- Automating the manipulation of power, energy, and commercial data to support such analysis
- Support the development and validation of flexibility use cases in preparation for the upcoming ED3 price control, helping shape the future of our flexibility strategy.
- Support for the regulatory reporting of Flexibility Services
- Manipulation of Flexibility data to understand performance and drive improvements
- Collaboration with the Market Facilitator and wider industry in the development of new Flexibility Products to meet any system needs; and representing the company on other specialist groups or national working groups, as required.
- Identify own development needs and request development opportunities
- Other duties appropriate to the grade
Ideal Candidate
You should be able to demonstrate a clear knowledge of the principles and issues associated with electrical network design or electricity markets.
Skills
Ideally the successful candidate will have experience in data driven decision making, with skills in one or more of the following areas:
- Advanced use of MS Excel including Power Query
- Scripting or data processing in Python
- Querying SQL databases
You will be reliable, organised, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
You will be able to understand the impact of your own activities on customers, public and the environment, and be confident in managing the health, safety, and quality of both your own work and others.
A qualification in a relevant field i.e. degree or equivalent in electricial engineering, data science or economics is desirable. Evidence on a relevant qualification, degree or equivalent will be required if you are successful but consideration will also be given to candidates with other demonstrable relevant experience.
Applicants may not necessarily possess all the skills required to carry out the role at present but should have the confidence and ability to reach the necessary standards with in-role training. Where appropriate, the appointment will initially be on a designate basis pending completion of the required training. A flexible attitude is essential as you may be asked to undertake other duties to assist the team in meeting its objectives.
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 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.
