Senior Power Systems & Algorithms Engineer

Senior Power Systems & Algorithms Engineer

Location: Swindon (4 days per week onsite)
Salary: Up to £65k (DOE) + Up to 20% Bonus

Are you a power systems expert with hands-on experience in IEC 61850 and a knack for developing real-world solutions? Do you enjoy working at the interface of software, systems modelling, and hardware integration? This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of digital substations, working on cutting-edge technology that supports the modernisation of the electricity grid.

About the role:
As a Senior Power Systems & Algorithms Engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of the development and deployment of a new digital substation product offering. Initially, you’ll focus on building a platform that supports IEC 61850-based communication and control, including tap changer and voltage control solutions. The role is entirely hands-on, and spans embedded software development, power systems modelling, and algorithm implementation.

You'll be working in a highly experienced and collaborative team, contributing across the full engineering lifecycle - from design and prototyping to deployment and iterative improvement.

Key responsibilities:

Design and develop software applications that communicate using IEC 61850 logical nodes and associated protocols
Lead and contribute to the deployment of tap changer and voltage control solutions across high-voltage networks
Support the ongoing development of scalable, production-ready substation applications
Apply engineering rigour across the SDLC, contributing to Agile workflows and quality assurance
Engage with internal hardware, software, and power systems specialists to ensure robust integration and testing
In your first 6–12 months, you will:

Deliver core software supporting the organisation’s digital substation platform
Drive successful deployment of IEC 61850-based control applications
Contribute to defining and building a long-term, BAU-ready product architectureWhat you’ll bring:

Essential:
Deep experience with IEC 61850 and its application within electricity distribution
Strong understanding of high-voltage utility power systems
Proficient in C and C++ (production code), with Python (especially for testing)
Experience writing software for embedded platforms (Intel AMD64, ARM)
Ability to develop configuration tools and work across diverse platforms
Desirable:
Experience with tapchanger and voltage control
Familiarity with Agile development practices (BDD, TDD, CI/CD)
Experience using the Robot Framework or similar for test automationAbout you:

You're hands-on, technically curious, and enjoy solving complex problems in a team environment
You’re confident working across disciplines and communicating ideas clearly
You bring a degree in a relevant field or equivalent industry experienceBenefits:

Pension scheme
Life Assurance (3x salary)
12 weeks full sick pay (post-probation)
Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
Discretionary bonus
Holiday purchase scheme
Health cash plan & eye care
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Paid professional memberships
Ongoing training and career development

If you are interested please apply ASAP. The People Network is an employment agency and will respond to all applicants within three - five working days. If you do not hear within these timescales please feel free to get in touch