2026 Undergraduate Transmissions Engineer, Asset Operations

National Grid; Radford Semele; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy infrastructure company is offering an Undergraduate Transmissions Engineering placement. The role involves replacing conductors, refurbishing steel structures, and assessing assets. Candidates must be in their penultimate year in an engineering or science-based degree and possess a full UK driving licence. This placement, starting in June 2026, offers a £24,109 salary, holiday benefits, and potential progression to a Graduate Programme. Join a supportive team and contribute to the UK's energy network.

Benefits

26 days holiday

Chance to join Graduate Programme

Pensions plan and flexible benefits

3 days of development training

Volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be in penultimate year at university.
• Full valid UK driving license or completed theory test.
• Willingness to travel to various sites and training centers.

Responsibilities

• Replacing OHL conductors and fittings.
• Refurbishing and replacing steelwork structures.
• Assessing condition of OHL assets.

Skills

Flexibility to travel

Ability to work in teams

Education

On track to achieve a minimum 2:2 in Engineering, Science, or Mathematics-based degree

Job description

As an Undergraduate Transmissions Engineering student in an Industrial Placement year within our Overhead Line (OHL) Zonal Support team, you'll gain hands‑on experience contributing to the safety and innovation of the UK's electricity transmission network. This practical, real‑world role supports the development of equipment and procedures that help maintain and improve the country's energy infrastructure. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and operational colleagues in the wider Safety & Engineering team, gaining exposure to the full lifecycle of maintenance equipment—from design and testing to on‑site implementation. During your time, you’ll help develop new tools and techniques to support both live‑line and dead‑line working on our OHL network, explore the use of advanced materials, and learn how we guide safe operations using cutting‑edge data and aerial insights.

Responsibilities

• Replacing OHL conductors and fittings
• Refurbishing and replacing steelwork structures
• Assessing the condition of OHL assets, including supporting contractor management for tower painting

You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team, working on real engineering challenges and seeing your contributions make a tangible impact.

Placement & Development

Our 12‑month Industrial Placement offers you the opportunity to kick‑start your career within the energy sector and discover your unique superpower. Throughout your placement, you’ll receive a tailored development programme, a combination of in‑person and virtual training sessions, and access to digital learning tools. You’ll have the opportunity to make connections with your cohort, receive regular check‑ins with a mentor and our Early Careers Team, and take on real assignments and projects to make a genuine impact within your respective function.

Requirements

• Penultimate year at university, on track to achieve a minimum 2:2 in an Engineering, Science‑based (e.g., Physics, Chemistry) or Mathematics‑based degree.
• Commit to completing a 12‑month Industrial Placement beginning June 2026.
• Flexibility to travel within the role and throughout the placement as required.
• Full valid UK driving licence or completed theory test with practical test booked in time for the assessment centre.
• Ability to travel to sites, substations, depots, and training centres.

Benefits

• Starting salary of £24,109
• 26 days holiday
• A chance to land a place on our Graduate Programme subject to your performance during your placement.
• Pensions plan, share‑option scheme and flexible benefits
• 3 days of development training, volunteering opportunities, close mentorship and regular feedback
• Invitation to join Newnet, our new starters network and employee resource group

You gain more than just experience. We nurture talent and recognise exceptional performance. If you excel during your placement, you may receive an offer to join our Graduate Programme after you successfully complete your degree.

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—pylons and cables—needed to move electricity from windfarms and other power sources across the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we play a part in providing the energy you need, and we are leading the transformation towards a greener, more affordable future for everyone.

We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed. All offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, and business need.