Secondary Automation Engineer
Added 24 Aug · still live
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£45,000
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2125 (90% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £45,000, and National Grid is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
About the role
Job Introduction
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Secondary Automation Engineer within the Secondary System Models and Data team in the Distribution System Operator (DSO). The successful candidate can be based from any of our sites across the East Midlands, West Midlands, the South West or South Wales.
The Secondary System Models and Data team plays a critical role in enabling the transition to a smarter, more flexible electricity network. We are responsible for developing and maintaining National Grid Electricity Distribution's (NGED) power system models and analysis tools covering the 11kV and Low Voltage network. Our work supports strategic network planning, operational decision-making, innovation and regulatory compliance through the application of advanced modelling, data analysis and software development techniques.
This role will report to the Secondary System Models Manager and the successful candidate will join a small but highly technical team of Engineers and Analysts working across all four NGED licence areas. You will design, build and maintain automation solutions that enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of NGED’s power system modelling and analytical workflows. This is an excellent opportunity to work at the forefront of distribution system operation, helping to shape the future of the electricity network while developing expertise in power systems, data analytics and engineering software solutions.
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 needs
The successful candidate will have a degree in either a STEM or IT (e.g. programming or computer science) discipline.
Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.
You may initially be appointed on a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.
Main Responsibilities
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Secondary Automation Engineer within the Secondary System Models and Data team in the Distribution System Operator (DSO). The successful candidate can be based from any of our sites across the East Midlands, West Midlands, the South West or South Wales.
The Secondary System Models and Data team plays a critical role in enabling the transition to a smarter, more flexible electricity network. We are responsible for developing and maintaining National Grid Electricity Distribution's (NGED) power system models and analysis tools covering the 11kV and Low Voltage network. Our work supports strategic network planning, operational decision-making, innovation and regulatory compliance through the application of advanced modelling, data analysis and software development techniques.
This role will report to the Secondary System Models Manager and the successful candidate will join a small but highly technical team of Engineers and Analysts working across all four NGED licence areas. You will design, build and maintain automation solutions that enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of NGED’s power system modelling and analytical workflows. This is an excellent opportunity to work at the forefront of distribution system operation, helping to shape the future of the electricity network while developing expertise in power systems, data analytics and engineering software solutions.
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 needs
The successful candidate will have a degree in either a STEM or IT (e.g. programming or computer science) discipline.
Evidence of your qualification certificates will be required prior to appointment.
You may initially be appointed on a lower salary until all relevant courses and training are complete.
Main Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain and continuously improve automated processes and workflows that support power system model build, data management and analytical outputs, ensuring delivery of high-quality, reliable network models.
The 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. The successful candidate will embrace an automate-first mindset, seeking opportunities to improve efficiency and deliver lasting business value.
Experience in Python and SQL for the development of data-driven solutions, process automation, and data integration is essential. Applicants should have practical experience using Python libraries such as Pandas and NumPy for the cleansing, transformation, validation, and analysis of large and complex datasets.
Experience developing and supporting robust ETL pipelines for the extraction, transformation, and loading of data from disparate systems is advantageous. Experience working with geospatial and network datasets, alongside the use of FME for spatial data transformation, integration, and automation, would be desirable.
Experience with power system software including PSS Sincal, DINIS, PSSE, IPSA or PowerFactory would be beneficial.
You must be reliable, well organised and be able to work effectively as part of a small team and geographically dispersed team. Excellent IT, numeracy and literacy skills are essential. Experience with NGED internal systems e.g. Electric Office, EMU, PowerOn, and CROWN is desirable, although training will be given on the applications used.
You will engage with internal stakeholders on a regular basis, so strong communication skills are crucial. You will proactively identify opportunities to improve existing processes and work closely with the wider business to develop and implement new strategies.
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.
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.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with National Grid, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2125 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~52k in sampleP25 £40kP75 £59k
£30kmedian £48kgoing rate £45k£59k
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Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. National Grid holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2125 going rate of £45,000. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.