2026 Primary Network Design Engineer Graduate, Electricity Distribution

Overview2026 Primary Network Design Engineer Graduate, Electricity Distribution – National Grid. Join to apply for the 2026 Primary Network Design Engineer Graduate, Electricity Distribution role at National Grid.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 are 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 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 DoSubstation 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 necessaryOur Graduate ProgrammeAs 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 ApplyYou\'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 requirements of this role you\'ll need to travel to sites, substations, depots and our training centres.Location: You will need to live within a 30 minute drive of BS2 0TB and you may be asked to evidence this in your application.What You\'ll Get In ReturnWe are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £36,640.Benefits£2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme26 days holiday£2,400 payment on successful completion of the programmeUp 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 belongingsOther benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities.We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough 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. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment 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.At National Grid, it’s our people that provide our true superpower. We pride ourselves on placing diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are and what we do and are committed to building a workforce of the future which represents the communities we serve.#Graduateopportunities2026Employment typeFull-timeSeniority levelInternshipJob functionInformation TechnologyIndustriesUtilitiesReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at National Grid by 2xWe encourage you to sign in to set job alerts and explore opportunities with National Grid. #J-18808-Ljbffr