We recruit on a rolling basis across our Early Careers Roles. We may close our vacancies early once we have enough applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.
National Grid is the UK’s critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network and infrastructure that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day, supporting homes, businesses and communities across England and Wales.
We know the future of energy won't be shaped by what we know today. It will be shaped by what's possible tomorrow. That's why we're investing in the next generation of talent, giving apprentices, undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands-on experience and contribute to work that matters from day one.
Are you ready to unlock the power of the possible?
Within Customer and Network Development (CND), the Innovation team helps identify and develop new solutions that improve how customer connections are designed, developed and delivered. Working across the business and with external partners, the team researches emerging technologies, trials new approaches and supports the adoption of innovative solutions across the transmission network. Their work helps address engineering and operational challenges, improve customer outcomes and support the transition to a cleaner, more flexible energy system.
As a Graduate Innovation Engineer, you'll help explore and develop innovative solutions that could improve how customer connections are designed, developed and delivered. Working alongside experienced engineering and innovation colleagues, you'll develop an understanding of the challenges facing the transmission network and how emerging technologies, engineering solutions and new ways of working can help address them.
Through research, project delivery and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, you'll gain experience turning new ideas into practical solutions that deliver benefits for customers, the business and the wider energy system.
You'll help identify, develop and trial innovative solutions that support the future of the transmission network.
You'll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Energy Engineering or Renewable Energy Engineering.
It doesn't matter when you graduated or whether you're currently studying towards your qualification. We're looking for graduates with an interest in innovation, emerging technology and the energy transition, who enjoy solving problems and exploring new ideas. You'll be curious about how new technologies can improve the transmission network, comfortable working with technical information and eager to develop your technical, analytical and project-delivery skills in a real-world engineering environment.
Please note: Due to the amount of travel required for this role, you must obtain a full, valid UK driving licence no later than 27th August 2027 (at least three months before your start date).
If you progress to the assessment centre stage, you must have passed your driving theory test before attending and be able to provide evidence of this.
You’ll need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your rotations in order to carry out the requirements of this role you'll need to travel to sites, offices and our training centres.
This role is based in Connah's Quay, Flint, Wales and offers flexible hybrid working, where possible. You'll be expected to attend your contractual office location at least three days per week. Flexibility to travel as required throughout the role and during rotations is also essential.
To be eligible for this role, you must currently live within a 60-minute driving commute of CH5 4BP and be able to commute from your existing primary residence. Relocation to meet this requirement is not permitted.
As part of your application, you'll be asked to confirm that you meet this requirement and provide the postcode of your current primary residence. This information will be used to assess your eligibility.
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 1:1 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 career.
We are proud to offer a starting salary of £38,472 with annual salary increases throughout the programme.
As a first step in your career within the energy industry, our Graduate Programme offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and build a long-term career with National Grid.
Alongside a tailored development programme designed to power your career at National Grid, you'll also enjoy a range of fantastic rewards and benefits, including:
You can apply for only one opportunity across all Early Careers and Career Changer programmes. Before applying, please carefully review all available programmes and choose the one that best matches your interests and career goals.
National Grid's Early Careers 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.
