2026 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.

But it's our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it's no small feat and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy. 

About The Role

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 Network Design Engineer, you’ll join our Engineering Design Team, which plays a critical role in transforming conceptual network plans into buildable solutions. The team prepares electrical, protection/control, mechanical, and civil designs for substations operating at voltages up to 132,000 volts. These designs support the construction, extension, and modification of our network infrastructure — essential for maintaining a reliable electricity supply and enabling the transition to a low-carbon future.

With over 500 active design commissions at any time, ranging from £50k to £35m in value, you’ll be part of a fast-paced and impactful environment. You’ll contribute to the delivery of robust and future-ready network assets that support NGED’s commitment to achieving Net Zero.

What You’ll Do

As a Graduate Network Design Engineer, you’ll gain hands-on experience and training across a variety of design disciplines, including:

• 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.
• Safety by Design – Consider the safety implications of design decisions across the lifecycle of substation assets — from construction to operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Protection & Control – Support the design of protection and control schemes, including the provision of relay settings and configuration.
• Site Engagement – Conduct site visits, inspections, and surveys as needed to inform and validate design work. Travel support and accommodation are provided where necessary

Our Graduate Programme

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.

What you'll need to apply

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 qualification. We just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

Due to the amount of travel to our site locations, you'll need to have a full valid UK driving license 3 months prior to your start date.

You’ll need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your rotations as required, as in order to carry out the requirments of this role you'll need to travel to sites, substations, depots and our training centres.

Location

 For operational requirements this role requries the candidate to live within a 30 minute drive of the following postcode:CF3 2EQ.  You will be asked to evidence this in your application

What You'll Get In Return

We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £36,640
 

Not only will you receive a tailored development programme to progress a superpowered career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too: 

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

More Information

You can only apply for one graduate opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our graduate opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process. 

Assessment centres will be held between November - April 2026

National Grid's Graduate & Student opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we're not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas