Primary Network Design Engineer Graduate, Electricity Distribution

About us

National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we've played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need - and we're leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.

At National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), we’re responsible for delivering electricity to over eight million customers across the Midlands, South-West, and Wales - powering homes, businesses, and communities. As a Graduate, your primary goal is to learn as much as possible about what NGED does, why we do it, and how we deliver our services. You’ll join the Planning and Network Design (PND) team, gaining exposure to all aspects of network planning and strategic development.

This is an exciting opportunity to build your technical knowledge and develop the skills needed for a future career in the energy sector.

• Network Compliance & Strategy
  Understand how NGED ensures compliance with Distribution Licence conditions, balancing short-term requirements with long-term strategic development of the network.
• Connections & Optioneering
  Learn how new demand and generation connections are assessed and designed, and how these integrate into future reinforcement strategies.
• Industry Collaboration
  Gain insight into managing key relationships with ESO and NGET for network interface issues, joint technical planning, and contractual processes.
• Customer Engagement
  Support the preparation of connection offers, feasibility studies, and budget estimates, while liaising with customers on their connection requirements.
• Network Design & Reinforcement
  Explore the design of network reinforcement schemes, production of capital sanctions, and compliance assessments for new connections.
• Technical Support
  Assist with design issues such as generator connections, power quality (PQ), major replacement schemes, and earthing systems.
• Innovation & Future Development
  Contribute to strategies for LFDD (Low Frequency Demand Disconnection) and ANM (Active Network Management) implementation.

As you'll be joining our 18‑month graduate programme, you'll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You'll attend in‑person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We're committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you'll also have access to 121 coaching and a mentor, from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.

All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as how to make an impact, giving feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to this role is our Engineering pathway and as part of this you’ll develop further key technical skills aligned to your role as well as important learning modules such as working safely. If relevant to your career aspirations, you will be able to access Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) membership and seek support from a National Grid IET mentor to help you secure your chartership.

We believe in the importance of getting as much on‑the‑job experience as possible and to do this, you will complete three 6‑month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18‑month programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your superpowered career.

You’ll need to achieve, or be working towards, a minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Engineering. It doesn’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your…