2026 Graduate Substation Engineer North West (Chester), Asset Operations

Overview

Graduate role rotating through design, construction & maintenance of high‑voltage substations

Key Responsibilities

• site delivery
• equipment testing
• team leadership
• substation maintenance
• contract monitoring
• project leadership

Tasks

-Taking on site delivery responsibilities, including acting as Temporary Works Co-ordinator and Principal Contractor under CDM regulations -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 -Participating in a standby rota for emergency callouts — with additional pay for your availability and expertise -Developing into the role of Project Leader (PL), with a focus on commercial delivery and safety -Assisting your Operations Manager and wider team in delivering key projects -Supporting substation maintenance, refurbishment, and fault diagnosis -Monitoring and progressing contracts for unlicensed customers and contractor-delivered work -Contribute to strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives across the business -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

Requirements

• site visits
• substations
• depots
• safety-critical
• safety rules
• safety management

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 -Regular travel to our training centre in Eakring, Nottingham -26 days holiday -£2,400 payment on successful completion of the 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 -Occasional cross-regional travel to support on-the-job learning and development -Receive structured training at our dedicated centre in Eakring, Nottingham, alongside on-the-job learning across your regional base -Gain leadership experience and work towards becoming a Senior Authorised Person (SAP)

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 will be held between november and april 2026

Visa Sponsorship

-national grid generally cannot sponsor; applicants must have a legal right to work in the uk without sponsorship -in exceptional circumstances, sponsorship may be considered for specialist skills not available locally