2026 Graduate Substation Engineer South East (Kent), Asset Operations

Overview

Graduate programme training substation engineers on high‑voltage projects.

Key Responsibilities

• substation maintenance
• emergency callouts
• project delivery
• contractor management
• equipment testing
• safety coordination

Tasks

-Supporting substation maintenance, refurbishment, and fault diagnosis -Contribute to strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives across the business -Participating in a standby rota for emergency callouts — with additional pay for your availability and expertise -Assisting your Operations Manager and wider team in delivering key projects -Develop the skills to lead on-site teams, manage contractors, and deliver complex engineering projects -Build deep technical knowledge of substation systems and high-voltage equipment -Developing into the role of Project Leader (PL), with a focus on commercial delivery and safety -Taking on site delivery responsibilities, including acting as Temporary Works Co-ordinator and Principal Contractor under CDM regulations -Monitoring and progressing contracts for unlicensed customers and contractor-delivered work -Testing equipment and systems, including safety, protection, and control mechanisms -Leading teams of fitters and contractors, ensuring safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements, and toolbox talks are in place

Requirements

• site visits
• substations
• safety management
• safety rules

What You Bring

-Frequent visits to substations, depots, and other operational sites within your region. -Learn how to manage safety-critical work and uphold National Grid’s Safety Rules

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Benefits

-£2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme -Occasional cross-regional travel to support on-the-job learning and development -Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities. -26 days holiday -Gain leadership experience and work towards becoming a Senior Authorised Person (SAP) -Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings -Regular travel to our training centre in Eakring, Nottingham -Receive structured training at our dedicated centre in Eakring, Nottingham, alongside on-the-job learning across your regional base -£2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme

About National Grid

-Plays a critical role in delivering electricity and gas to millions of homes and businesses. -Operates in both the UK and US, ensuring safe and reliable energy distribution. -Deeply involved in the development of renewable energy infrastructure, including wind and solar projects. -Key projects include cross-border power links to improve energy security and integrating low-carbon solutions. -Continually innovates to meet growing energy demand while reducing environmental impact. -Operates in both electricity and natural gas distribution across a vast geographical area in the US. -Invests in sustainability initiatives and clean energy infrastructure.

Sector Specialisms

Interview Process

-assessment centres held between november and april 2026. -recruitment on a rolling basis; early applications encouraged.

Visa Sponsorship

-most candidates must already have the legal right to work in the uk; sponsorship generally not offered. -in exceptional cases where specialist skills are needed, sponsorship may be considered.