2026 Graduate Project Development Engineer, Asset Operations

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

We’re part of the team that helps plan and prepare work on National Grid’s overhead lines and cables—everything from painting towers and managing vegetation to upgrading cables and delivering smaller projects ourselves. Our job is to make sure the engineering and commercial side of things is well thought out before work begins, so that projects are safe, cost-effective, and meet the needs of the business and our customers. We also keep track of how we’re performing against our regulatory commitments and provide insights to help guide future decisions.

Joining our Commercial and Portfolio Team you’ll be part of a group that plans and prepares major electricity infrastructure projects—like overhead lines and underground cables—that keep the lights on across the UK.

As a Graduate Development Engineer, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals to help develop safe, cost-effective, and practical solutions for our energy network. You’ll be involved in the early stages of projects, helping to explore different options, gather information, and support decisions that will guide how we build and upgrade our systems.

What you'll get up to:

• Support project planning: Help set up projects and explore different ways they could be delivered, considering safety, cost, and efficiency.
• Work with others: Collaborate with engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to make sure everyone’s input is considered and decisions are well-informed.
• Visit sites: Take part in site visits to understand the condition of existing equipment and help assess what needs to be done.
• Help with documentation: Assist in preparing reports, estimates, and plans that guide how projects will be delivered.
• Learn about regulations: Get familiar with safety and engineering standards, and help ensure our plans meet all necessary requirements.
• Contribute to future planning: Support the development of our long-term investment plans, helping National Grid meet its goals for sustainability and reliability.

From day one, you’ll be involved in real projects that make a difference. With support from experienced engineers and mentors, you’ll build your confidence and technical skills while learning how major energy infrastructure is planned and delivered. You’ll be part of a collaborative team working on meaningful solutions that help the UK move toward a cleaner, greener energy future—giving you the chance to grow your career while contributing to something bigger.

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 in a Engineering, Science-based (e.g., Physics, Chemistry), or Mathematics-based degree discipline. 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 currently have a full valid UK driving license or have completed your theory test (and have a practical test booked) at the time of your assessment centre (if your application is progressed) will allow you to drive in the UK.

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, overhead lines and our training centres.

Location

This role allows you to be based anywhere across England and Wales and requires you to travel across this region as part of your role. This role offers flexible hybrid working, where possible. You'll be expected to travel around this region to substations and overhead lines as part of your role.

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