2026 Graduate Substation Engineer South East (Dartford), 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

As the owners of England and Wales’ electricity transmission network, we’re at the forefront of the UK’s energy transition. We’re looking for bright, ambitious engineering graduates to help us build a greener, more resilient energy future.

We’re offering a unique, immersive two-year programme that gives you hands-on experience in substation engineering — all while being paid. You’ll work on real-world projects that directly impact how electricity is delivered across the country, now and for the next 40 to 50 years.

From day one, you’ll be part of a team delivering essential work — from maintaining and refurbishing high-voltage assets to connecting new customers and integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the grid. You’ll rotate through a variety of projects and teams, gaining exposure to everything from design and construction to commissioning and fault response.

By the end of the programme, you’ll step into a full-time role as a Substation Engineer, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead teams and make critical decisions.

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Testing equipment and systems, including safety, protection, and control mechanisms
• Supporting substation maintenance, refurbishment, and fault diagnosis
• Assisting your Operations Manager and wider team in delivering key projects
• Developing into the role of Project Leader (PL), with a focus on commercial delivery and safety
• Leading teams of fitters and contractors, ensuring safe systems of work, risk assessments, method statements, and toolbox talks are in place
• Monitoring and progressing contracts for unlicensed customers and contractor-delivered work
• Taking on site delivery responsibilities, including acting as Temporary Works Co-ordinator and Principal Contractor under CDM regulations
• Participating in a standby rota for emergency callouts — with additional pay for your availability and expertise

Throughout the programme, you’ll:

• Build deep technical knowledge of substation systems and high-voltage equipment
• Learn how to manage safety-critical work and uphold National Grid’s Safety Rules
• Gain leadership experience and work towards becoming a Senior Authorised Person (SAP)
• Develop the skills to lead on-site teams, manage contractors, and deliver complex engineering projects
• Receive structured training at our dedicated centre in Eakring, Nottingham, alongside on-the-job learning across your regional base
• Contribute to strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives across the business

This isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to shape the future of energy in the UK. The decisions you make and the work you deliver will help ensure the safe, reliable transmission of electricity for generations to come.

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 degree based on electrical principals, such as Mechanical/Electrical/Power Systems Engineering or a closely related 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 graduate development programme rotations. This includes travel to various sites such as substations, depots, and training centres, as required to carry out the responsibilities of the role. 

Location

Due to operational requirements, you must live within a 30-minute drive of the following postcode:  DA11 8HX. You will be asked to provide evidence of this in your application.

This role is based in Dartford -  DA11 8HX, and you’ll be expected to travel regularly around this region as part of your role. Travel is essential to carry out your responsibilities and includes:

• Frequent visits to substations, depots, and other operational sites within your region.
• Regular travel to our training centre in Eakring, Nottingham
• Occasional cross-regional travel to support on-the-job learning and development

Please note, for this role we also have advertised opportunities in the following locations; Lancashire (PR1 0NS), Chester (CH1 6HE), Kent (ME3 9NT), Dartford (DA11 8HX), Bristol (BS37 9TX), Taunton (TA5 1UD), Warwick (CV8 1PH) and London (NW8 8JY).

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