Graduate Development Engineer, Portfolio & Strategy Development, Warwick

Portfolio, Strategy and Development (PS&D) shapes National Grid’s future direction by analysing infrastructure, investment, and strategic choices for the UK’s changing energy needs. The team identifies future needs, shapes strategy, and supports the development and management of the project portfolio to ensure the right projects and approaches are progressed at the right time.

As a Graduate Development Engineer, you will help shape and progress major electricity infrastructure projects through their early stages. Working with experienced development engineers and multidisciplinary project colleagues, you will learn how an infrastructure need is translated into a technically sound and deliverable investment proposal. You will contribute to option selection, technical scoping, cost estimating, and investment governance, preparing the information and documentation needed for project decisions. You will learn how engineering, commercial, financial, planning, and delivery considerations are integrated to support informed investment decisions.

What You'll Do

• Support the early development of major electricity infrastructure projects, progressing investments through key development stages.
• Assess and compare engineering options, contributing to the selection of safe, efficient, and fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Prepare technical scoping documents and support front-end engineering design activities.
• Contribute to the development and review of project cost estimates, assumptions, risks, and dependencies.
• Support the preparation of investment papers, business cases, and governance materials for project decisions.
• Collaborate with engineering, commercial, financial, and project delivery colleagues to gather information for investment proposals.
• Maintain project information, documentation, and systems, ensuring accuracy.
• Understand how technical decisions influence project costs, schedules, risks, and delivery outcomes.

What You'll Need to Apply

• A minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• An interest in major infrastructure, engineering development, and the energy transition.
• Enjoy analysing information, comparing options, and solving complex problems.
• Keenness to develop practical engineering solutions, communicate technical information clearly, and understand how major infrastructure projects progress from concept to delivery.
• A full, valid UK driving licence by 27th August 2027.
• Flexibility to travel within the role and during rotations to sites, offices, and training centres.
• Must currently live within a 60-minute driving commute of Warwick (CV34 6DA). Relocation to meet this requirement is not permitted.

What You'll Get In Return

• Starting salary of £38,472 with annual increases.
• 18-month graduate programme with a tailored development pathway.
• 26 days' annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Access to flexible benefits (cycle-to-work, holiday buy/sell).
• Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.
• £2,000 joining bonus.
• £2,400 payment upon successful completion.
• Accommodation allowance of up to £200 per month during placements.
• Additional annual leave and relocation support when moving between placements.
• Dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, networking, and volunteering opportunities.
• Permanent role with National Grid upon successful completion.

About the Graduate Programme

The 18-month programme includes a tailored development pathway focusing on leadership, business, and technical skills. You will attend in-person and virtual development sessions. Support includes 1:1 coaching and a mentor from a previous cohort.

Graduates complete a core development programme covering skills like making an impact, giving feedback, and presentation skills. The Engineering pathway includes technical skills development and modules like working safely. Opportunities for Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) membership and chartership support are available.

The programme includes three 6-month placements across the UK to deepen understanding of your speciality and broaden business knowledge. You will return to your initial placement area at the end of the programme to start 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. We are investing in the next generation of talent, offering apprentices, undergraduates, and graduates the opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to meaningful work.

More Information

• You can apply for only one opportunity across all Early Careers and Career Changer programmes.
• We recruit on a rolling basis and may close vacancies early once enough applications are received. Apply as early as possible.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
• National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship in most cases.
• For information about visas, visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.