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As a Distribution and Transmission Network Operator, SP Energy Networks keeps the electricity flowing to homes and businesses throughout Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire, and North Shropshire. One of only six Distribution Operators and one of four Transmission Operators in the UK, our actions are crucial to the decarbonisation of the network. The energy landscape is changing fast as the way our customers and communities generate, consume and interact with energy evolves. Our role is to decarbonise our network through technology and innovation to support the journey to Net Zero. We need to maximise the efficiency of our network to optimise the transmission and distribution of electricity generated from renewables, reducing electricity losses, and allowing us to move away from fossil fuels. With great power comes great responsibility – but we’re up for the challenge!
With distribution networks designed for predictable, stable demand, it’s vital we upgrade our network to create the flexibility required to cope with the extensive changes to electricity demand, generation and consumer behaviour. And to develop a flexible and truly smart grid, we are rolling out a new data, digital and communications ecosystem that will enable co-ordinated planning and delivery of these Whole System solutions. We are on a journey to transform our organisation into a modern, digitalised energy network operator. We will manage vast increases in the volume and frequency of data collected from technologies such as remote sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearable technology and drones and generate evidence bases and automated solutions that ensure optimised decision-making. There’s never been a more exciting time to be a data enthusiast!
What you’ll be doing
As a Data Scientist, you’ll work with operational data, such as energy flow, usage and voltage, as well as data associated with network equipment like cables, overhead lines and switchgear. Additionally, you will analyse business, financial, process and geospatial data using your data science skills to transform this information into valuable insights that inform business decisions and shape future strategies.
Your contribution to harnessing the power of our data and creating virtual representations of physical objects or processes will play a pivotal role in our journey towards achieving Net Zero. These virtual representations will empower us to forecast, model scenarios and optimise our operations, propelling us closer to our sustainability goals. Your collaboration with advanced field technologies such as wearable devices and 3D mapping will enhance the resilience of our network and expedite response times during power outages, ensuring uninterrupted service for our valued customers. By utilising fault location technology, predictive analytics and aerial LiDAR Light Detection and Ranging, you will gain access to remote sensing data that utilises light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure distances to the Earth's surface, as well as process drone footage images. This invaluable data will contribute to the digitalisation of our inspection regime, enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness.
Furthermore, your partnership with our IT developers to construct a robust data architecture will propel us into the future, enabling us to make well-informed, data-driven decisions that firmly support our Net Zero objectives. Together, we will pave the way for a sustainable tomorrow.
Our graduates have the opportunity for hybrid working with your time split between home, site and office, depending on the projects that you are supporting. In addition, travel to different offices and sites in the UK may be required a few times each month.
What you’ll bring
To excel in this role, you’ll have a strong foundation in various technical skills and a passion for sustainable energy solutions. Proficiency in computer programming, especially in languages like Python, is vital for manipulating and analysing large datasets. Excellent communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration with stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers and industry partners. You will also have the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly and concisely. You’ll understand statistical analysis, data visualisation and Geographical Information Systems. Finally, aligning business requirements with analytical skills is key to delivering impactful solutions by understanding organisational objectives and translating them into actionable insights and data-driven strategies.
What’s in it for you
You will have the opportunity to be part of a two-year program that offers unparalleled growth and development prospects. Throughout this program, you will gain invaluable experience by working in various key data areas, including data understanding, cataloguing, external data sharing and network management. This will enable you to develop a comprehensive understanding of SP Energy Networks, create proficiency in multiple programming languages and the ability to utilise various algorithm methodologies in a real industry setting.
In addition to technical skills, we will also focus on developing your business awareness, presentation skills and influencing skills. This will equip you with the ability to effectively communicate information to diverse audiences. By harnessing the power of enhanced data analytics, you will play a pivotal role in our journey towards achieving Net Zero and shaping the future of sustainable energy.
