Graduate Development Program, Associate Engineer, Electrical Planning and Design

National Grid Plc; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 91,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid’s Graduate Development Program in New York welcomes entry-level electrical engineers to join a year-long rotation across planning and design disciplines, including transmission, distribution, substations, and protection. You’ll collaborate with seasoned engineers, support project work, and build foundational competencies for a long-term career in the energy sector.

Based in Albany, Syracuse, or Buffalo, you’ll participate in hands-on projects, mentorship, and development activities

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited electrical engineering program completed or in process
• Graduated between May 2026 and June 2027
• Ability to begin National Grid's Graduate Development Program on June 7, 2027 or July 12, 2027
• Valid driver’s license with safe driving history
• Work authorization in the United States without visa sponsorship now or in the future
• Foundational knowledge of electrical systems and engineering principles
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Support development and maintenance of engineering standards and design practices across transmission, distribution, substations, telecommunications, protection and controls
• Perform or assist with transmission and distribution planning, protection, and system studies with data collection and analysis
• Prepare engineering deliverables for substation, transmission, and distribution projects
• Assist asset management activities for transmission and distribution equipment
• Collaborate with internal/external partners to understand requirements and support project delivery
• Apply engineering principles safely and in compliance with codes and procedures
• Organize project tasks and resources to ensure on-time, accurate completion
• Develop technical and professional skills through mentorship, training, and hands-on project work during emergencies

Skills

Electrical design basics

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

ABET-accredited EE program

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About The Position

Are you ready to start your electrical engineering career and help shape the future of the electric grid? As an Associate Engineer in Electrical Planning and Design, you’ll support projects that help keep electric service safe, reliable, and ready for what’s next.

This entry-level opportunity is part of National Grid’s Electric Engineering and Asset Management organization. Your specific placement will be determined based on business needs, your interests, and your qualifications. Potential focus areas include electrical design, protection and controls, telecommunications, system planning, engineering standards, work methods, and asset management.

You’ll work with experienced engineers and collaborate with teams across engineering, operations, construction, asset management, and external partners. This is a great opportunity to build technical skills, work on real‑world electric infrastructure projects, and gain a broad understanding of how the electric system is planned, designed, and maintained.

This role can be based in Albany, Syracuse, or Buffalo, NY. Occasional travel, including overnight travel, may be required based on business needs. Off-hours engineering and operations support may also be required during emergency events.

What You’ll Do

• Support the development and maintenance of engineering standards, design practices, and work methods for transmission, distribution, substations, telecommunications, protection, and controls.


• Perform or assist with transmission and distribution planning, protection, and system studies, including data collection, analysis, calculations, and documentation.


• Support the design of electrical systems and technical solutions by preparing engineering deliverables for substation, transmission, and distribution projects.


• Assist with asset management activities for transmission and distribution equipment, including evaluating equipment condition, performance, and replacement needs.


• Work with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to understand requirements, coordinate technical information, and support project delivery.


• Apply engineering principles to tasks of varying complexity while following applicable safety requirements, industry standards, codes, policies, and procedures.


• Organize project tasks, information, and resources to help ensure work is completed efficiently, accurately, and on schedule.


• Build your technical and professional skills through hands‑on project work, mentorship, training, and opportunities to support engineering and operations during emergency events.

What You’ll Need to Apply

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering program at an accredited institution


• Graduated between May 2026 and June 2027


• Ability to begin the National Grid Graduate Program on June 7, 2027, or July 12, 2027


• Valid driver’s license required with a safe driving history that meets National Grid’s Safe Driver policy


• Work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States (such as sponsorship for an H-1B, TN, O, L, STEM OPT, or other employment-based work authorization)


• Foundational knowledge of electrical systems, engineering principles, industry standards, safety requirements, and electrical design codes.


• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with teams at different levels of the organization.

It would be awesome if you had

• Internship, co‑op, academic project, laboratory, or work experience involving power systems, substations, transmission, distribution, protection and controls, telecommunications, system planning, or asset management.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, or Access.


• Completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, particularly for candidates with fewer than four years of professional experience.

What You’ll Get in Return

• Structured development opportunities, mentorship, and ongoing feedback to accelerate your career growth


• Exposure to leaders, cross‑functional teams, and diverse areas of the business


• Opportunities to build your professional network and develop lasting industry connections


• Meaningful work and real‑world experience that provide a strong foundation for a long‑term career at National Grid


• Competitive salary ranging from $91,000 to $106,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package


• Financial support for your future through up to $6,000 in student loan repayment assistance and tuition reimbursement benefits of up to $8,000 annually for undergraduate studies and $10,000 annually for graduate studies


• The opportunity to support the planning, design, and long‑term performance of the electric system serving communities across Upstate New York.


• The opportunity to explore different areas of electrical engineering while building a strong foundation for your career in the energy industry.

About The Graduate Development Program

National Grid’s Graduate Development Program (GDP) is a year‑long development program for recent college graduates who aspire to take on future leadership roles in a dynamic, ever‑changing industry. Graduates will shape the future of National Grid. Bringing fresh thinking, new perspectives, and exploring with energy, we’ll give you real responsibility and an opportunity to move with purpose from day one – putting the power to supercharge your career in your hands.

Graduates start their careers at National Grid with an in‑depth 3‑week in‑person Orientation which gives you exposure to all parts of the company, allows you to network with your Graduate cohort, GDP alumni, and senior leaders, and provides you with the opportunity to travel throughout our service territory in the northeast US. Following Orientation, you’ll begin working in the full‑time position outlined below and take part in robust in‑person and virtual development activities throughout the year. This includes monthly development sessions, active mentorship, and an intensive and immersive “Hackathon Project” where you “hack” a real‑world National Grid problem.

About National Grid

National Grid is the critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity and gas networks and infrastructures that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day, supporting homes, businesses and communities across Massachusetts and New York.

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 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

Salary Range

Syracuse, Albany, or Buffalo, NY $91,000 – $106,000 a year

National Grid will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. You must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

Please note US Colleagues must reside within our existing footprint, which includes Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont. As a National Grid employee, you should also reside within a reasonable, commutable distance to your assigned primary office.

Applications close on Tuesday, December 1, 2026. As we review applications on a rolling basis, this posting may close earlier if we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications. Early application is encouraged.

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti‑discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.