Data Scientist - NESO

Join to apply for the Data Scientist - NESO role at National Energy System Operator.

National Energy System Operator (NESO) is on a journey towards a sustainable and secure energy future. We are building on momentum to advance the Electricity System Operator’s plan for a zero carbon operability of the electricity system by 2025.

Are you a passionate Data Scientist eager to make a tangible impact on the future of Great Britain’s energy landscape? Join us in transforming the electricity system into a cleaner, greener network for generations to come. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise in a real‑time dynamic environment where innovation and insight drive operational excellence.

As a Data Scientist, you will be at the forefront of developing and optimising critical data tools used by our Short‑Term Strategy team. Your work will directly empower the electricity control room to identify, resolve, and gain crucial insights into system operational issues, helping to reduce risk and minimise costs. You’ll be instrumental in designing and developing scalable, user‑friendly data tools that provide essential operational analysis.

You will be a key player in our established Azure Analytics Environment, leveraging Python, SQL, and Power BI to enhance processes and build intuitive user interfaces. This role demands a passion for process improvement, a deep understanding of the energy sector, and organisational and communication skills to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

You will work on a rota covering a weekend every 6 weeks in our Wokingham office, requiring regular attendance.

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• Innovate & develop: Identify and seize opportunities for improvement within our existing tool suite, working collaboratively with the team to understand requirements and implement cutting‑edge solutions.
  
• Predictive Modelling: Develop robust models to accurately forecast electricity margins and ensure energy security.
  
• Advanced Analytics: Design and implement sophisticated analytics to extract meaningful patterns and trends from diverse datasets, turning complex data into actionable intelligence.
  
• Strategic Communication: Develop and clearly communicate operational strategies internally to drive informed decision‑making.
  
• Enable & train: Actively train and support team members on new tool developments and programming techniques, fostering a culture of continuous learning and data literacy.
  
• Cross‑functional Collaboration: Partner with cross‑functional teams to ensure data tools consistently meet critical operational needs.
  

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• Holds a degree in a relevant field such as Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, Data Science or Engineering.
  
• Brings experience in process and/or tool development focused on data‑based processes.
  
• Possesses essential expertise in programming languages like Python, SQL, and VBA.
  
• Has proven experience using Power BI to create intuitive user interfaces for data analysis.
  
• Excels at translating complex quantitative data into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
  
• Is familiar with Azure cloud computing environments.
  
• Demonstrates excellent stakeholder engagement skills, capable of liaising effectively with internal teams and external partners.
  
• Can work both independently, taking initiative, and collaboratively as a valued team member.
  

While we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience in energy, gas, renewables, utilities, or technical/engineering sectors such as manufacturing, aviation, scheduling, or rail operations, or other industries with complex operational or scheduling requirements would be highly advantageous.

A competitive salary between £54,000 – £65,000 per annum, dependent on experience and capability, plus a Weekend Allowance of approximately £6,250 per annum.

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 the company will double match your contribution to a maximum 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.

In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (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 that meets the energy system and its users’ needs. 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.

This role closes on 1st December at 23:59.