Top Power Automation Jobs Transforming the UK Energy Sector

The UK's transition to a sustainable energy future is accelerating, creating a surge in demand for specialised talent. From pioneering rapid EV charging networks to deploying grid-scale batteries, the backbone of this green infrastructure is sophisticated automation. This critical shift is generating a new wave of highly skilled power automation jobs , essential roles that bridge the gap between renewable energy sources and reliable, on-demand power delivery for consumers and businesses alike. As the nation pushes towards net-zero, the need for experts who can design, implement and maintain these complex systems has never been greater.

This article serves as a definitive guide to the most crucial career paths in this dynamic sector. We will explore seven key job roles at the forefront of the UK's energy transformation, detailing the specific skills required, typical responsibilities, salary expectations and the career outlook for each. Our focus will be on pivotal areas, including managing EV charging from constrained grid connections, integrating on-site renewables with battery storage and optimising distributed energy resources. For professionals aiming to build a career at the heart of the UK's energy evolution, understanding these in-demand power automation jobs is the first step towards shaping a cleaner, more resilient tomorrow.

ZPN Energy's Grid Energy Management platform stands as a definitive choice for organisations navigating the complexities of modern energy infrastructure. It offers a sophisticated, patented smart microgrid system designed to automate and optimise the control of distributed energy resources. This is particularly crucial in environments integrating rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery energy storage systems (BESS), making it a cornerstone technology for those pursuing advanced power automation jobs and projects.

The platform's primary strength lies in its ability to provide intelligent, real-time coordination of complex energy assets. For businesses operating EV charging hubs, commercial properties with on-site renewables or grid-scale battery projects, this level of automated control is indispensable. It ensures that energy is drawn, stored and deployed with maximum efficiency, directly translating to reduced operational costs and enhanced asset longevity. As the UK's only developer combining rapid and mobile EV charging infrastructure with integrated energy management, ZPN Energy delivers a unique, holistic solution.

The system excels in creating resilient and efficient smart energy ecosystems. Its software seamlessly integrates with new or existing hardware, offering a future-ready solution for urban decarbonisation.

• Automated Asset Control: The platform's patented software uses real-time data to intelligently manage energy flows between the grid, battery storage and EV chargers. This is vital for sites with constrained grid connections as it prevents overloading whilst maximising charger uptime and revenue.
• Microgrid Optimisation: It allows for the creation of self-sufficient microgrids by coordinating on-site renewables like solar with BESS and EV charging. This ensures energy security and reduces reliance on the grid, which is a key goal for many commercial and governmental clients.
• Scalability for Growth: The system is designed to support scalable infrastructure, from a single commercial site to extensive government contracts for EV and BESS deployment. It provides the foundational technology for expanding distributed energy networks.

ZPN Energy’s platform distinguishes itself through its specialised focus on the nexus of rapid EV charging and grid-scale battery management. Whilst many systems offer energy monitoring, ZPN’s solution provides active, automated control tailored for the high-demand, dynamic environment of EV infrastructure. This unique specialisation ensures superior performance in challenging scenarios, such as deploying rapid chargers on weak grid connections or managing mobile EV charging units. Businesses can discover more about these integrated solutions by exploring ZPN's approach to business energy management on zpnenergy.com.

Pros:

• Patented software for intelligent, automated control of EV chargers and batteries.
• Seamlessly integrates rapid charging with BESS and renewables.
• Optimises energy costs and enhances sustainability.
• Backed by a UK-based pioneer with a unique focus on combined energy solutions.

Cons:

• Best suited for integrated microgrid and EV infrastructure projects.
• Requires initial strategic planning to maximise its advanced capabilities.

Website: https://www.zpnenergy.com/grid-energy-management

As the world's largest professional network, LinkedIn is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking power automation jobs in the UK. Its job marketplace is unparalleled in scale, offering extensive listings that focus on roles within the EV charging, grid-scale battery and distributed energy sectors. This platform is particularly effective for those targeting opportunities in enterprise-level corporations, public sector bodies and specialised technology consultancies.

What sets LinkedIn Jobs apart is its deep integration with your professional profile. The platform leverages your skills, experience and network to provide highly relevant job suggestions and alerts. Its advanced filtering capabilities allow you to narrow your search by title (e.g., "Smart Grid Engineer"), specific skills like "BESS" or "EV charging infrastructure" and work arrangements such as remote or hybrid. Once you've found promising roles, ensure your professional presence is polished by learning how to optimise your LinkedIn profile for tangible results.

To maximise your search, focus on building a targeted strategy:

• Strategic Saved Searches: Create and save multiple searches with precise keywords like "EV charging automation" or "grid scale battery consultant." This ensures you receive daily or weekly email digests of the newest and most relevant roles.
• Company and Recruiter Insights: Before applying, investigate the company's page. You can often see who posted the job, find mutual connections for a potential referral and gauge the company's focus on innovative energy solutions like combined on-site renewables and batteries. The platform also signals a growing number of roles in sustainable sectors, an area with significant career potential. To explore this further, you can discover future-proof jobs in sustainable transport.
• Direct Engagement: Don't just apply. If you see the hiring manager or recruiter listed, send a concise, professional connection request or InMail message expressing your interest. This proactive approach can significantly increase your visibility.

Whilst many applications use the convenient "Easy Apply" feature, be aware that some postings redirect to external applicant tracking systems (ATS), requiring an extra step. Despite this, its comprehensive coverage and powerful networking tools make it an essential platform for any serious job seeker in the power automation field.

Website: https://uk.linkedin.com/jobs

As one of the world's largest job aggregators, Indeed's UK portal is a powerhouse for sourcing power automation jobs . It compiles listings from countless company career pages and recruitment agencies, offering an expansive view of the market. The platform is particularly strong for those seeking roles involving EV charging infrastructure, grid-scale batteries and distributed energy systems across a wide range of sectors including energy utilities, consulting, the NHS and local authorities.

Indeed provides a comprehensive overview of the national job landscape, making it an excellent tool for gauging salary bands and contract day rates. Its robust search filters allow you to drill down by salary, contract type, location and specific keywords, ensuring you can quickly find relevant opportunities. The platform's sheer volume of listings makes it an essential starting point for any job search in this field.

To get the most out of Indeed, a focused and organised approach is key:

• Refine Your Search Queries: Use specific, long-tail keywords like "rapid EV charging engineer remote" or "BESS project manager" to narrow down the vast number of results. Save these searches to create job alerts, which deliver new and relevant listings directly to your inbox.
• Analyse Salary Data: Pay close attention to the salary estimates provided on many listings. This data is invaluable for benchmarking your own expectations and understanding the market rate for roles in specific regions or industries, including the growing green energy sector. This knowledge is equally valuable when considering related technical fields; you can get a better sense of pay scales by reviewing this guide to solar install jobs in the UK.
• Manage Your CVs: Indeed allows you to upload multiple versions of your CV. Customise each one to target different types of power automation roles. For example, have one CV that highlights your skills in grid connection optimisation for an electrical engineer role and another that focuses on distributed energy resource management for a systems analyst position.

One of the biggest advantages of Indeed is its high coverage, although this can sometimes lead to duplicate postings from different agencies. The quality of job descriptions can also vary. Despite these minor drawbacks, its unparalleled volume and straightforward application process make it a fundamental resource for finding your next power automation job.

Website: https://uk.indeed.com

As one of the UK’s longest-standing and most recognised job boards, Reed.co.uk is a powerhouse for sourcing power automation jobs across the country. It aggregates a vast number of roles from both direct employers and recruitment agencies, making it an excellent resource for professionals at all career levels. The platform is particularly strong in listing mid-senior electrical engineer, project manager and systems analyst positions, with a transparent view of how many roles are available in specific regions.

What distinguishes Reed.co.uk is its practical, UK-centric feature set. Its search filters are highly granular, allowing you to easily specify contract type, salary expectations and working arrangements like hybrid or fully remote. A standout feature is the integration of career development tools directly within the search results, surfacing relevant training courses alongside job listings. This helps you identify and address any skill gaps needed for your next role in complex fields like grid-scale battery management or rapid EV charging infrastructure projects.

To get the most out of the platform, adopt a focused approach:

• Set Up Precise Job Alerts: Create highly specific alerts using keywords such as "Smart Grid Engineer," "BESS Automation," or "EV Infrastructure Specialist." You can set the frequency of these alerts to ensure you never miss a newly posted opportunity.
• Utilise Salary and Regional Data: Use the platform’s average salary checker and regional role clustering to understand market rates and identify areas with high demand for automation skills. This data is invaluable for negotiating offers and planning your career trajectory.
• Explore Integrated Training: Pay attention to the course recommendations that appear with your job searches. If you notice a consistent requirement for a specific skill in roles you're interested in, Reed.co.uk makes it simple to find a course to upskill.

Whilst the sheer volume of listings is a major advantage, some users report variable quality in job descriptions and occasional spam from agencies. However, its strong employer participation and user-friendly tools for tracking the UK job market make it an essential destination for anyone seeking their next power automation role.

Website: https://www.reed.co.uk

As one of the UK’s largest and most established generalist job boards, Totaljobs is a powerful resource for finding a wide spectrum of power automation jobs . It features an active and continuously updated category for energy and engineering roles, with fresh postings spanning the entire country. The platform excels at providing opportunities in both large energy firms and specialised engineering consultancies, making it ideal for candidates with diverse experience levels.

What distinguishes Totaljobs is its clarity and user-friendly interface. Job listings are clearly labelled with essential information, such as IR35 status for contractors, which is crucial for day-rate engagements. Its filters allow for precise searches based on salary, location and contract type, and it prominently displays whether a role is remote, hybrid or office-based. This transparency saves significant time for job seekers trying to find the right fit.

To get the most out of the platform, adopt a structured approach to your search:

• Refine and Automate Searches: Use precise keywords like "Grid Connection Engineer" or "Distributed Energy Systems" and save your searches. This enables email alerts, ensuring you are among the first to see new roles that match your criteria. Filter by "date posted" to focus on the most recent opportunities.
• Analyse Employer Profiles: Many listings include detailed employer pages and direct contact information for the recruiter. Use this to research the company's focus, particularly if it operates in innovative energy sectors like grid-scale battery storage or combined on-site renewables and EV charging. Understanding their projects can give you an edge in your application.
• Prepare a Targeted CV: Totaljobs allows you to upload and store your CV, making applications quick. Tailor your CV for each application, highlighting experience relevant to the role, such as automating systems for rapid EV charging infrastructure or managing energy data from battery storage systems.

Whilst some listings redirect to external applicant tracking systems (ATS), and you may encounter occasional duplicate postings from recruitment agencies, its consistent volume of quality roles makes it a vital tool. The platform's strong UK coverage and clear presentation of key details ensure it remains a go-to site for anyone pursuing a career in power automation.

Website: https://www.totaljobs.com

As a UK-focused technology job board, CWJobs is an exceptional resource for finding highly technical power automation jobs . Unlike generalist platforms, it cuts through the noise to connect specialists with roles demanding specific skills in control systems, SCADA, software development and network engineering within the energy sector. It is particularly effective for contractors and permanent hires targeting roles in systems integration, automation engineering and technical consultancy across the UK.

What makes CWJobs stand out is its granular, tech-centric filtering system. You can search directly for specific control systems, programming languages and contract day rates, making it simpler to find genuinely technical power automation positions. The platform features a strong mix of permanent and contract opportunities, with excellent coverage in London and other regional tech hubs. For professionals with security clearance, it is also a valuable source of SC-cleared roles within the public sector and its consultancy partners.

To get the most out of this specialist job board, a focused approach is essential:

• Precision Keyword Searches: Use highly specific search terms like "SCADA Engineer Energy" or "BESS Control Systems". Combine these with filters for contract or permanent roles and your desired location to narrow down the results effectively.
• Analyse Job Descriptions: The listings on CWJobs are often detailed, specifying the exact technical stack required. Pay close attention to mentions of communication protocols, API integrations and specific hardware, as these indicate the role's complexity and technical depth. This detail is crucial when identifying opportunities in specialised fields like grid-scale battery management or rapid EV charging infrastructure systems.
• Engage with Recruiters: A significant portion of listings on CWJobs are posted by specialist tech recruitment agencies. Building relationships with these recruiters can give you access to roles that are not widely advertised. Look for consultants who frequently post relevant power automation jobs and connect with them.

Whilst CWJobs has a smaller total volume of listings compared to larger, generalist sites, its high-signal, tech-focused environment makes it an indispensable tool for developers and engineers. The agency-driven market means you may need an extra step before connecting with the end employer but the quality and relevance of the roles make it a worthwhile platform.

Website: https://www.cwjobs.co.uk

As one of the UK's largest independent job boards, CV-Library is a powerful tool for discovering power automation jobs beyond the major metropolitan hubs. Its extensive database features hundreds of roles, both permanent and contract, with a strong focus on opportunities with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and regional employers who may not advertise on larger, global platforms. This makes it an invaluable resource for professionals seeking roles across the entire UK, including the Midlands, the North, Scotland and Wales.

What distinguishes CV-Library is its straightforward, no-nonsense approach to job hunting. The platform’s robust search filters are a key advantage, allowing you to quickly refine results by salary band, day rate, distance from your location and contract type. Many listings provide clear compensation details, removing ambiguity and helping you target appropriate roles. Its quick apply feature and CV database streamline the application process, though full access requires creating an account.

To get the most out of the platform, a focused approach is essential:

• Refine Your Search Filters: Go beyond simple keywords. Use the advanced filters to specify your desired salary or day rate, location radius and whether you are seeking remote or hybrid work. This precision ensures you only see the most relevant opportunities.
• Set Up Targeted Job Alerts: Create and save specific searches for terms like "EV Charging Engineer," "Automation Consultant," or "BESS Technician." The platform will then email you new roles as they are posted, giving you a competitive edge.
• Explore Regional Opportunities: Many roles in the power automation sector, particularly those related to grid-scale batteries or on-site renewables for manufacturing sites, are located outside London. Use CV-Library to uncover these less-visible but highly rewarding positions with regional engineering firms and consultancies.

Whilst the interface can sometimes present duplicate listings from different recruitment agencies for the same role, its sheer volume of UK-wide vacancies and transparent salary information make it an indispensable asset. For anyone looking for a comprehensive view of the UK’s power automation job market, CV-Library is a must-use resource.

Website: https://www.cv-library.co.uk

The landscape of power automation jobs is not just expanding; it is becoming increasingly integral to the UK's economic and environmental ambitions. The platforms we've explored, from specialist sites like CWJobs to comprehensive aggregators like Indeed UK, all point to a clear and rising demand for professionals who can design, implement and manage the intelligent systems that underpin our modern energy infrastructure.

This isn't merely a field of theoretical engineering. It's about the practical application of technology to solve urgent, real-world challenges. Whether the goal is optimising a nationwide network of rapid EV chargers, ensuring the stability of a microgrid powered by on-site renewables or managing grid-scale battery storage, the opportunities are both technically demanding and incredibly rewarding. The roles available today require a unique synthesis of skills that bridges traditional electrical engineering with cutting-edge software development and data analysis.

To thrive in this dynamic sector, aspiring candidates must cultivate a specific blend of expertise. Here are the most critical takeaways from our exploration:

• Multidisciplinary Skillset is Non-Negotiable: Success in power automation jobs hinges on more than one area of knowledge. You need a firm grasp of electrical engineering principles, proficiency in software and control systems (like SCADA) and a deep understanding of the renewable energy ecosystem, particularly concerning EV charging and battery storage.
• Specialisation Creates Opportunity: Whilst a broad understanding is essential, developing a specialism can set you apart. Focus on high-demand areas such as managing EV charging from constrained grid connections, integrating distributed energy resources or developing control algorithms for grid-scale batteries.
• Platform Strategy Matters: Don't limit your search. Use broad platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed for volume but leverage niche sites like CWJobs for highly technical roles. Set up targeted alerts using keywords such as "BESS engineer," "EV infrastructure automation" and "smart grid specialist" to ensure you never miss a relevant opening. To broaden your search even further, exploring a comprehensive list of the best job search websites can provide valuable additional avenues.

Transitioning from interest to employment requires a proactive approach. Start by identifying the specific roles that align with your skills and career goals. Review the job descriptions carefully and note any recurring requirements for software, certifications or project experience.

By pursuing continuous learning, gaining hands-on experience in these specialised areas and strategically using the job search tools available, you can position yourself for a long and impactful career. You will be at the forefront of innovation, driving the future of sustainable energy in the UK and contributing to a more resilient, intelligent grid.

Are you ready to be part of the technology that powers these critical roles? The advanced energy management and rapid charging systems being deployed across the UK are developed by pioneers like ZPN Energy . Explore the innovative solutions at ZPN Energy to understand the technology you could be working with in your next power automation job.