Deputy Head of Engineering

The Department of Energy and Climate Change has a vital purpose, to head off the twin risks of catastrophic climate change and a shortfall in future UK energy supplies. To take forward this ambitious agenda DECC needs to increase the number of scientists and engineers in its teams to ensure that our decisions and actions are based on the best possible evidence and our complex and highly challenging delivery programmes contain the technical staff they require to ensure effective delivery.

The post sits within the Science and Innovation team of DECC which is an exciting area at the heart of the department. It aims to ensure that good quality evidence is provided on which to base its policy design and decisions. The team also provides technical support to policy and delivery programmes, manages the R&D and analysis programme and the planning and delivery of our energy innovation programme.

We’re looking for an Electrical engineer with energy sector experience in particular transmission, distribution and grids. Ideally you will have experience of leading or supporting projects or programmes and delivering successful outcomes or engineering solutions. You’ll have drive, passion and inventiveness, and will work well in multidisciplinary teams.

You will be undertaking work such as reviewing the challenges facing the grid as we look to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, sketching out the consequences of increasing use of renewable technology on our ability to guarantee electricity when we want it or helping a Minister’s speechwriter to prepare a statement on a breakthrough in a new technology area.

In return, you will gain a chance to influence and understand national strategy, support policy development, to develop and prove yourself working in large and complex delivery programmes and will work with, and build networks in government, academia and the energy industry. Above all, you will gain the opportunity to make a real difference.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our consultants at Penna Executive Search, Aaron Webster or Jonathan Swain on 020 7332 7812 or visit the Penna weblink.