Data Scientist - Numerical Optimisation Algorithms - NESO

About the role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is on a journey towards a sustainable and secure energy future. Together we build on this momentum, advancing the Electricity System Operator’s (ESO) plan for zero carbon operability of the electricity system by 2025.

We currently have a brand-new opportunity for a Data Scientist with Python coding expertise to be involved in the delivery of a project that aims to upgrade existing control room IT infrastructure to a new platform, while improving existing control room processes.

This is a unique opportunity to join our Balancing Programme, contribute to a design and delivery new decision-support tools to help balance the UK’s electricity system that’s why previous experience in the energy sector is   important.

You’ll collaborate with a diverse team of experts, collaborating with IT and business stakeholders in an Agile environment to deploy solutions on a state-of-the-art cloud-native platform.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick, Glasgow, or Cardiff, 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

• Develop decision support tools for electricity system balancing (focused on numerical optimisation, not forecasting).
• Build robust data pipelines to support platform data analysis.
• Analyse market and platform data to assess and improve control algorithms.
• Test and deploy new software solutions to production.
• Maintain and enhance existing algorithms and processes.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support DevOps pipelines and microservice deployment.

About you

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• Expert-level Python programming skills.
• Proven experience delivering IT solutions in cloud-native environments.
• Strong background in developing algorithms for technical problem-solving.
• A keen interest in energy systems and operations research
• Previous energy, electricity markets experience will play a key role.
• A degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Information Technology, or similar.

About what'll get

A competitive salary between £60,000 -75,000– dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 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

At National Energy System Operator (NESO), we’re aiming to operate a zero-carbon electricity system for Great Britain by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. This means change is needed across the whole system to transition away from fossil fuels and deliver clean, and affordable energy for everyone across the country.

Join a journey that matters.

Your energy, our future, together.

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 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 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 13th July 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.

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