About the role
National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.
As a key Data Engineer, you will be instrumental in revolutionising how NESO's Electricity National Control Centre (ENCC) manages, validates, and leverages real-time operational data.
You will play a critical role in improving how we utilise data, ensuring access and data pipelines are accurate and reliable across the ENCC. This isn't just about data; it's about building the intelligent infrastructure that underpins a greener, more resilient energy system.
You will design and build robust new data connections, enabling NESO to operate a complex, decentralised, and renewable-heavy power system with unwavering confidence.
From developing end-to-end data pipelines and validation frameworks to implementing automation solutions, your work will ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of critical data – from telemetry and SCADA to market submissions and network parameters.
You’ll also be crucial in identifying gaps in our data needs and working with other teams to assess opportunities to strengthen the data foundation.
Furthermore, you will have significant scope to develop innovative data products by identifying and transforming legacy data, replacing outdated, manual processes with robust, automated solutions.
This role is a unique chance to embed powerful data engineering that eliminates manual errors and drives our digitalisation efforts forward, offering deep insights into real-time operations and the wider energy industry's challenges.
This role is based in 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
- Pioneering Real-time Data Pipelines: Define and execute our data engineering strategy for the control room, designing, building, and maintaining operational data pipelines for real-time and near-time source systems.
- Innovating Data Products: Develop and implement automated rule-based data ingestion, cleaning, and validation systems.
- Fostering Leadership & Capability Development: Mentor and upskill junior colleagues, guide operational teams on effective data usage, and contribute to best-in-class data engineering standards and code modifications.
About you
We are seeking a proactive, curious, and detail-oriented individual with a strong engineering mindset, ready to make their mark on the energy sector.
- A Master's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Management, Systems Administration, or a related field, coupled with a of hands-on experience in data engineering.
- Strong experience with leading tools like Databricks, Spark, Kafka, Airflow, Azure Data Factory, or Kinesis.
- Proficient in Python and SQL, with a proven ability to build scalable batch and streaming pipelines.
- Experience with API integration, microservices, and robust data transformation frameworks.
- Deep understanding of data modelling (star schemas, entity modelling, event-driven architectures) and hands‑on experience with data validation frameworks and automated testing.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills, especially under pressure, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- A natural collaborator, adept at working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and capable of influencing across engineering, markets, digital, and control operations.
- A genuine passion for establishing new capabilities, coupled with a key willingness to learn, particularly around operational and real‑time data.
Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we’re committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone can show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds to build a workforce that feels valued and respected and represents the communities we serve.
If this role sparks your interest but you’re not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you.
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%.
As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong, with professional and personal growth and positive well‑being.
- Full support and career‑development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and maximise your potential along your career journey.
- A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table.
- Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.
About us
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 19th January 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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