Power Systems Research Engineer/Scientist

We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent position as a Power Systems Research Engineer/Scientist to join the Power Networks Team within NPL’s Electromagnetic Technologies Group. This role is suitable for an early-career engineer, physicist, applied scientist or post-doctoral researcher who is looking to apply and develop their expertise in power systems, measurement science, instrumentation, data analysis and grid monitoring within a collaborative research environment.

The Power Networks Team conducts research and development in 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.

While new technologies such as wind and solar generation, batteries, electric vehicle charging stations and heat pumps bring major environmental benefits, they 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 at NPL works with UK industry partners, as well as national and international research organisations to ensure that 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 is an opportunity to work with a team of researchers to address cutting-edge measurement challenges in electricity networks. The work combines applied physics, metrology, instrumentation, data analysis and power systems, and is project-based and varied.

This means that we continually adapt our skills and capabilities to solve new problems. 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.