2026 Primary Network Design Engineer Graduate, Electricity Distribution

National Grid; Tipton Green; On-site; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electricity provider in the UK is looking for a Graduate Network Design Engineer. This role involves assisting in substation designs, producing engineering drawings in AutoCAD, and supporting safety and protection schemes. Graduates will participate in an 18-month tailored development programme, focusing on leadership and technical skills, while enjoying a competitive starting salary of £36,640. This position requires a minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering and a valid UK driving license.

Benefits

£2,400 payment on completion of the programme

Accommodation allowance

Pension and share-option schemes

Flexible benefits

Close mentorship and feedback opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field is required.
• Full valid UK driving licence 3 months before start date.
• Flexibility to travel to various sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of substations and prepare detailed drawings.
• Produce engineering drawings using AutoCAD.
• Support design of protection and control schemes.

Skills

AutoCAD

Substation Design

Safety considerations

Site inspections

Education

Minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Engineering

Job description

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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 join 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 in addition to your line manager’s support you’ll also have access to 1:1 coaching and a mentor from an earlier cohort.

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 IET membership and seek support from a National Grid IET mentor to help you secure your chartership.

• £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. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want. Assessment centres will be held between November and 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.

National Grid is not able to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. 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. 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. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Engineering, or currently working towards the qualification.
• Full valid UK driving licence 3 months prior to your start date.
• Flexibility to travel to sites, substations, depots and our training centres as required.

Salary

We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £36,640. In addition to the tailored development programme, you will receive a range of rewards and benefits.