Engineer, Electrical Engineering

Higher Engineer – Power Networks Team

We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent position as a Higher Engineer to join the Power Networks Team within NPL’s Electromagnetic Technologies Group. This role is suitable for an early career engineer or post‑doctoral researcher who is looking to apply and develop their expertise in power system measurements within a collaborative research environment.

The Power Networks Team conducts research and development of advanced measurement methods and instrumentation to enable intelligent monitoring of electricity grids. The UK electricity grid is undergoing a major transformation as it prepares to operate with zero carbon emissions by 2030. New technologies such as wind and solar generation, batteries, electric vehicle charging stations, and heat pumps bring major environmental benefits, but also introduce new technical challenges for maintaining grid stability and power quality.

Power grid operators therefore need new and improved monitoring tools to gain a deeper insight and run the grid reliably and efficiently. The Power Networks Team works with UK industry partners, national and international research organisations to ensure next‑generation grid measurement solutions are fit‑for‑purpose.

You will be closely collaborating with the team to support activities including:

• Setting up and safely operating laboratory testbeds for electrical measurements related to various power grid phenomena (e.g. harmonics, frequency deviations)
• Developing software for automatic hardware configuration and data analysis
• Designing, developing and testing new measurement methods and instrumentation for power quality and grid stability monitoring
• Preparing and deploying instrumentation for field measurement campaigns at locations across the UK and Europe
• Collaborating with international research organisations and universities within R&D projects
• Communicating research outcomes through publications, reports, posters and oral presentations at events such as symposia and international conferences

This role offers an opportunity to work with a team of researchers to address cutting‑edge measurement challenges in electricity networks. The work is project‑based and varied, requiring continual adaptation of skills and capabilities. The successful candidate will be highly self‑motivated, comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, and able to adapt quickly to new and evolving technical challenges.

• A degree in a STEM discipline, preferably in electrical/electronic engineering or the physical sciences
• Experience in electrical/electronic engineering or a related technical field, gained through advanced research (such as a PhD) or equivalent experience
• Experience in one or more of the following: power system analysis, modelling, power quality, phasor measurements, power‑electronics, control systems or practical electrical/electronic engineering laboratory work
• Experience working on research or innovation projects, including independently delivering work to a high standard and within set time frames, e.g. leading a substantial task or work package
• Experience in at least one of the following programming languages:
  Matlab, Lab View, C/C++
• Experience of scientific writing such as reports and publications
• Experience of working and communicating effectively within a team and with external project collaborators or customers
• Curiosity and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work independently and be proactive
• Ability to cope with change and ambiguities
• Willingness to travel occasionally to locations across the UK and internationally for field measurement campaigns, partner meetings and conferences
• Required:
  
  obtain BPSS security clearance

• Data analysis and/or digital signal processing (e.g. Fourier transform, filters)
• Planning, delivering and documenting laboratory or field experiments
• Measurement, calibration and/or uncertainty analysis
• Presenting research results through posters and oral presentations at symposia and international conferences
• Mentoring junior team members
• Working with electricity system stakeholders such as distribution system operators, transmission system operators or power generators
• Supporting the development of research proposals, bids or funding applications

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds and are dedicated to promoting an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.