Graduate Development Program, Associate Engineer, Transmission & Distribution Line Standards

National Grid Plc; Northboro (IA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured development opportunities

Mentorship

Networking with leaders and cross‑func

Long-term career at National Grid

Job summary

National Grid’s Graduate Development Program (GDP) is a year-long program for new graduates to assume future leadership roles. It offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and formal training as part of a structured career path in the Northeast US.

Graduates start with a 3-week orientation, then join a full-time role in an engineering field with ongoing development activities, mentorship, and a capstone Hackathon project.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical or Civil Engineering from 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 with a safe driving history.
• Work authorization in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Support development and maintenance of engineering standards, drawings, and specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into solutions.
• Assist evaluating equipment, materials, and manufacturers for reliability and safety.
• Engage with SMEs to develop standards, training, and best practices.
• Research emerging technologies and contribute to pilot programs and modernization.
• Gain hands-on experience through field visits and technical training.
• Develop and issue work-practice and equipment bulletins for safe use.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate findings clearly.

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Electrical or Civil Engineering

Job description

About the Position

Interested in helping shape the standards that power the electric grid? As an Associate Engineer, you'll work alongside experienced engineers and industry experts to develop and maintain the engineering standards, procedures, and material specifications that support transmission and distribution line work across National Grid's U.S. service territory.

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to many areas of the business while building both your technical expertise and professional network. You'll collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Construction, field personnel, and external manufacturers to support the safe and reliable delivery of energy. Along the way, you'll contribute to technical discussions that influence future design practices, support the evaluation of new technologies and materials, and gain valuable industry exposure through technical committees, conferences, and cross-functional projects.

What You’ll Do

• Support the development and maintenance of engineering standards, drawings, material specifications, and equipment specifications for National Grid's transmission and distribution systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into practical engineering solutions and support the standardization of processes and practices.
• Assist with evaluating equipment, materials, and manufacturers to help ensure the reliability, performance, and safety of the electric system. Investigate equipment performance issues and failures; and assess innovative designs, materials, and construction methods
• Engage with subject matter experts and stakeholders to support the development of engineering standards, training materials, and best practices.
• Research emerging technologies and industry trends, contributing to innovation initiatives, pilot programs, and the modernization of the electric grid.
• Gain hands‑on experience through field visits, technical training, conferences, and collaboration with teams across National Grid's service territory.
• Develop and issue work‑practice and equipment bulletins to support the safe and reliable use of existing and new equipment, materials, and work methods.
• Prepare technical reports and clearly communicate findings and recommendations through written materials and presentations.
• Provide off‑hours engineering and operations support as required during emergency events.

What You’ll Need to Apply

• Bachelor or Master’s in Electrical or Civil Engineering degree from 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)

It would be awesome if you had

• Coursework, internship, co‑op, or project experience related to power systems.

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 $101,000 to $119,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package

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
Northboro, Massachusetts $101,000 - $119,000 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 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.

Safety, Health, Environment and Resilience

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.