Graduate DSO Engineer, Electricity Distribution, Cardiff

National Grid Plc; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

£2,000 joining bonus

Accommodation allowance or relocation支

Job summary

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) invites applications for a Graduate DSO Engineer role in Cardiff. You will join the DSO team and gain hands-on experience in network data, forecasting, and operational planning.

Expect to contribute to smarter, lower-carbon energy delivery while rotating across sites in South Wales. The 18-month graduate programme offers tailored development, mentorship, and growth towards a permanent role, with a starting salary of £38,289 and increases over the

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or closely related degree discipline.
• Willingness to travel across South Wales and hold a full UK driving licence by 27 June 2027.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and interpret network, forecasting and operational data to support decision-making.
• Support electricity demand and generation forecasting activities to help understand future network requirements.
• Use and maintain electrical network models to assess network conditions and performance.
• Identify network constraints, emerging operational risks and potential mitigation actions.
• Assess opportunities to use flexibility services, curtailment and other interventions to support network operation.
• Collaborate with DNO Control Centre and DSO colleagues to ensure safe, secure and economical operation of the network.
• Contribute to development and improvement of operational processes, procedures and guidance.
• Support performance analysis, reporting and operational reviews to identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in working groups, innovation activities and industry initiatives shaping future network operation.

Skills

Data analysis

Forecasting

Electrical engineering knowledge

Education

2:2 degree in Electrical/Mechanical Eng

Job description

Graduate DSO Engineer, Electricity Distribution, Cardiff

About the Position

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses. National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Within NGED, the Distribution System Operator (DSO) plays a key role in enabling the transition to a smarter, more flexible and lower‑carbon energy system. The DSO helps maximise the capacity of the existing network, forecasts future demand and develops innovative solutions, such as flexibility services, that can support decarbonisation alongside traditional network investment. By combining data, forecasting and operational expertise, the DSO helps ensure the network can meet the changing needs of customers, communities and new low‑carbon technologies at the lowest overall cost.

As a Graduate DSO Engineer, you'll join the Distribution System Operator (DSO) team and help support the operation of a smarter, more flexible electricity network. You'll gain hands‑on experience working with network data, forecasting, operational planning and network performance, helping the DSO maximise network capacity and support the transition to a lower‑carbon energy system. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you'll develop an understanding of how electricity networks are managed, how operational decisions are made and how innovative approaches such as flexibility services can help meet future energy needs.

What You'll Do

You'll support the DSO Energy Management Centre in helping to operate the electricity network safely, securely and efficiently.

• Analyse and interpret network, forecasting and operational data to support decision‑making.
• Support electricity demand and generation forecasting activities to help understand future network requirements.
• Use and maintain electrical network models to assess network conditions and performance.
• Help identify network constraints, emerging operational risks and potential mitigation actions.
• Assess opportunities to use flexibility services, curtailment and other operational interventions to support network operation.
• Work with the DNO Control Centre and DSO colleagues to support the safe, secure and economic operation of the network.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of operational processes, procedures and guidance.
• Support performance analysis, reporting and operational reviews to identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in working groups, innovation activities and industry initiatives that help shape the future of network operation.

What You'll Need to Apply

You'll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or 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.

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 June 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 requirments of this role you'll need to travel to sites, depots/offices and our training centres.

Location

This role is based Cardiff and with travel across the South Wales region. This means you'll be expected to travel and work around this region as part of your role.

What You'll Get In Return

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £38,289 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:

• 26 days' annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
• Access to flexible benefits, including cycle‑to‑work and holiday buy/sell schemes.
• The opportunity to participate in our Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.
• You’ll develop well‑rounded skills through practical experience.
• A £2,000 joining bonus upon starting the programme.
• A £2,400 payment upon successful completion of the programme.
• An accommodation allowance of up to £200 per month as you move around the business during placements.
• Additional annual leave when moving between placements, plus support with relocating your personal belongings.
• Dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, networking opportunities, and volunteering opportunities to support your development.
• A permanent role with National Grid upon successful completion of the programme.

About the 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 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.

About National Grid

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?

More Information

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.

National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.

From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.

Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do

Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.

We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.

Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.

Incentive

Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.

Retirement

Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.

Private medical insurance for self and family.