Planning Standards Engineer (Gas & Hydrogen) - NESO

About the Role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

The methane gas networks have well-established engineering and planning standards, and NESO’s role in planning the methane gas network is firmly established and collaborates very strongly with National Gas Transmission (NGT). The standards and assumptions on which gas network planning is undertaken are similarly well-established and encoded in NGT’s Transmission Planning Code (TPC).  However, the equivalent standards have not been fully established for the emerging hydrogen systems. 

NESO will become the ‘strategic planner’ for hydrogen transportation and storage in 2026, which will require, at least, the development of planning standards equivalent to those used in methane gas transportation. 

We are seeking one or more experienced gas engineers to work together, under the leadership of a Network Engineering Manager, and with industry, to develop relevant standards, policies and practices for application in hydrogen system planning, and also to support in the review and development of gas (methane) standards and policies. The role will primarily focus on establishing network planning standards for emerging hydrogen networks, ensuring alignment with relevant regulations, safety requirements, and best practices. We expect the focus to be on above 7 barg hydrogen networks, although knowledge of below 7 barg and downstream gas systems will be advantageous.

We have L6 and 7 roles available.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape hydrogen engineering policy for all assets required for hydrogen transmission network and storage. In addition, the role will also take responsibility for ensuring that the network planning standards that apply to gas (methane) networks are understood and applied in NESO, providing robust challenge and review to the standards developed by the wider industry, such as the Transmission Planning Code.

The role will collaborate with key external stakeholders, including gas network businesses, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), other relevant industry associations, government departments, and consumers, to shape the future of gas infrastructure.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick or Glasgow 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 

·                Development and documentation of the hydrogen network planning standards that will be applicable to NESO’s hydrogen network planning activities.  Develop and maintain relevant engineering policies, technical standards and best practice.

·                Assess whether policies and standards align with safety regulations and industry benchmarks, and ensure management is alerted to any misalignment or inconsistency.

·                Support management in the Gas and Whole Energy Network Development (GWEND) department in the development of ways of working, working procedures and project management for your team including risk management and KPI monitoring.

·                Work with relevant Strategic Energy Planning (SEP) directorate and wider NESO teams to ensure hydrogen network planning standards reflect various requirements such as security of supply, operability, deliverability. Provide support and guidance on gas and hydrogen engineering topics to wider teams in GWEND, SEP, NESO and in the wider industry.

·                Maintain good working relationships with relevant engineers and teams within key stakeholders – in particular National Gas Transmission, licensed gas distribution networks, and relevant consumers.

·                Support reviews of NGT’s TPC and other relevant standards.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

About You

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. We’re looking for great people who:

• Are curious, ask questions, and drive for depth of understanding
• Are passionate about developing their colleagues, doing the right thing for consumers and society, and accelerating the progress of the energy transition
• Drives for change whilst working tactfully and sensitively with multiple stakeholders.

Particularly for this role:

• Chartered Engineer in a relevant discipline or evidence of working towards chartership
• Engineering knowledge of >7barg gas or hydrogen networks
• May have experience of developing gas engineering and/or gas network planning standards.
• Is a strong communicator with excellent writing skills.

#LI-MM1

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £56,000 - £71,000 dependent on experience and capabilityAs well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package. - You will receive a bonus based on company performance- 26 days annual leave as standard - A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. - Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:
- Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
- Additional Birthday Day Off
- Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
- Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance
 

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.
In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.
Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value.
The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.
Your energy. Our future. Together

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

More Information

This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment

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. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.