Graduate DSO Engineer, Electricity Distribution, Castle Donington

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) is responsible for the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales, serving over 8 million people. National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide and is committed to building an inclusive workplace.

The Distribution System Operator (DSO) within NGED is crucial for enabling a smarter, more flexible, and lower-carbon energy system. It maximises the capacity of the existing electricity network, forecasts future demand, and develops innovative solutions to meet changing customer needs through flexibility market development, network operation, and planning.

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 supporting flexibility services, network planning, system operation, and network development, while learning how the electricity network is evolving to support net zero. Through project work, industry collaboration, and placements, you will build technical, analytical, and commercial skills.

What You'll Do

• Develop flexibility services to support a smarter, more efficient electricity network and the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
• Analyse network, flexibility, and operational data to identify trends, assess performance, and support decision-making.
• Support assessments of network needs and explore where flexibility services can manage constraints and maximise network capacity.
• Learn how flexibility services are procured and dispatched via NGED's Market Gateway platform, assisting in the development and publication of service requirements.
• Contribute to projects and industry trials exploring innovative uses of flexibility to solve emerging network challenges.
• Assess how technologies like battery storage, electric vehicles, and heat pumps can support network operation.
• Support regulatory reporting and analysis, understanding the commercial, policy, and regulatory environment of electricity networks.
• Collaborate with engineering, operational, and commercial teams, as well as flexibility providers and industry partners.
• Utilise tools such as Excel, Power BI, and Python to generate insights and support evidence-based decision-making.

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.
• 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.
• Must have passed the driving theory test before the assessment centre stage.
• Flexibility to travel within the role and across placements.

Location

• Castle Donington, Derby, with travel across the East Midlands 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 when moving between placements.
• Dedicated mentoring, regular 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 for key skills and an Engineering pathway for technical development. Opportunities for IET membership and chartership support are available.

You will complete three 6-month placements across the UK to deepen your understanding of your speciality and the wider business. You will return to your initial placement area at the end of the programme.

About National Grid

National Grid is the UK's critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network and infrastructure across England and Wales. They are investing in the next generation of talent, offering opportunities 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.
• Applications are recruited 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.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK.