Our Power System Operations team is focused around the Electricity National Control Centre in Berkshire. It is responsible for operating Great Britain’s electricity transmission network – planning and managing its live operation.
On finishing the two-year Foundation Engineer Programme, you will take up a post that will lead either to a role in Power System Planning or part of the Power System Control team.
In both of these roles, you will be using your newly acquired power systems knowledge to ensure the most secure and economic operation of the network. These are crucial jobs and because lights stay on 24/7, 365 days a year, the live Control role involves shift work. Liaising with internal departments and external stakeholders, such as Distribution Network Operators and Generators, your influence will be felt across the whole country.
Live Power System Control
As a Control Engineer, you could be on one of the transmission despatch desks where you’ll be responsible for carrying out precise and intricate switching on the transmission system, including the implementation of voltage control switching programmes. You’ll develop and implement real-time solutions to real-time challenges. You will also actively monitor the transmission system and manage plant alarms from up to 100 substations.
Alternatively, within energy scheduling you’ll produce viable and accurate operating programmes aimed at matching National Grid’s demand forecast with the data submitted by generators.
They are both exciting opportunities which give you a real insight into how we keep the country running!
Power System Planning
As an engineer optimising long term plans up to a day ahead of their going live on the GB system, you will be looking at future developments across the UK, as well as keeping in touch with what’s currently happening to deliver the country’s energy supply. You’ll use your background within Engineering, numeracy or analytics to drive the operational plan and ensure that it can adapt to any changes we encounter.
We want you to think differently and look for innovative ways to minimise costs whilst maintaining the high standards that we pride ourselves on.
Both roles have a high level of importance and significance. You will gain a great appreciation of how Great Britain’s high voltage network is managed and share the excitement on seeing the impact of your actions.
To apply for our FE vacancies in Berkshire click here