Graduate DSO Engineer, Electricity Distribution, Bristol

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is responsible for the electricity distribution systems in the Midlands, the Southwest of England, and South Wales, serving over 8 million people. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity.

The Distribution System Operator (DSO) within NGED is crucial for enabling a smarter, more flexible, and lower-carbon energy system. The DSO maximises existing network capacity, forecasts future demand, and develops innovative solutions to meet evolving customer needs. Its activities include flexibility market development, network operation, and planning, all while ensuring the network remains efficient and reliable.

As a Graduate DSO Engineer, you will join a core DSO team to help shape the future of electricity distribution. You will gain hands-on experience in areas such as flexibility services, network planning, system operation, and network development. This role will provide insights into the evolving electricity network and its role in achieving net zero. Through project work, industry collaboration, and placements, you will develop technical, analytical, and commercial skills.

What You'll Do

• Develop flexibility services to support a smarter, more efficient, and low-carbon electricity network.
• Analyse network, flexibility, and operational data to identify trends, assess performance, and inform decision-making.
• Assess network needs and explore how flexibility services can manage constraints and maximise capacity.
• Learn about the procurement and dispatch of flexibility services via NGED's Market Gateway platform.
• Contribute to projects and industry trials focused on innovative uses of flexibility to address network challenges.
• Evaluate the role of technologies like battery storage, electric vehicles, and heat pumps in supporting network operation.
• Support regulatory reporting and analysis, understanding the commercial, policy, and regulatory landscape of electricity networks.
• Collaborate with engineering, operational, and commercial teams, as well as external partners, to develop flexibility markets.
• Utilise tools such as Excel, Power BI, and Python for data analysis and insight generation.

What You'll Need to Apply

• A minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• An interest in the future of energy, electricity networks, and the transition to net zero.
• Enjoy analysing information, solving problems, and working with data.
• Eagerness to develop understanding of network operation, planning, and flexibility services.
• A full, valid UK driving licence by 27th June 2027.
• Ability to travel within the role and across regions for placements.
• Must have passed your driving theory test before attending the assessment centre.

Location

Avonbank, Bristol, with travel across the South West region.

What You'll Get In Return

• Starting salary of £38,289 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 for placements.
• Dedicated mentoring, feedback, networking, and volunteering opportunities.
• Permanent role with National Grid upon successful completion.

About the Graduate Programme

This 18-month programme offers a tailored development pathway focusing on leadership, business, and technical skills through in-person and virtual sessions. You will receive support from a line manager, 1:1 coaching, and a mentor. The programme includes core development modules and an Engineering pathway with technical learning. Opportunities for IET membership and chartership support are available. You will complete three 6-month placements across the UK to broaden your knowledge, returning to your initial placement area at the end of the programme.

Important Information

• You can apply for only one Early Careers or Career Changer programme.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
• National Grid is generally unable to offer sponsorship.
• You are responsible for exploring UK working avenues; advice on visas can be found at https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.