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2026 Primary Network Design Engineer Graduate, Electricity Distribution

National Grid

The Role

Overview

Design and draft substations, protection, and civil works as a graduate network engineer.

Key Responsibilities

  • protection design
  • relay settings
  • substation layout
  • autocad drafting
  • site visits

Tasks

-Protection & Control – Support the design of protection and control schemes, including the provision of relay settings and configuration. -Substation Design – Assist in the physical design of indoor and open-terminal substations, including layout preparation and detailed mechanical drawings under the guidance of senior engineers. -AutoCAD Drafting – Produce detailed engineering drawings using AutoCAD to support construction and commissioning activities. -Site Engagement – Conduct site visits, inspections, and surveys as needed to inform and validate design work. Travel support and accommodation are provided where necessary

Benefits

-26 days holiday -£2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme -£2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme -Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities. -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

The Company

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

Energy

Electricity Transmission

Electricity Distribution

Gas Transmission

Gas Distribution

Hydrogen Transmission

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Infrastructure

Renewable Energy

Wind

Solar

Nuclear

Commercial

Residential

Industrial

Utilities

Transport

Water Resources

Government

Heavy Civil

Marine

Interview Process

-assessment centres will be held between november and april 2026.

Visa Sponsorship

-national grid cannot normally sponsor visas; applicants must have existing right to work in the uk. -sponsorship may be considered only in exceptional cases for specialist skills not available locally.