Graduate
National Grid logo

Graduate DSO Engineer, Electricity Distribution, Nottingham

National Grid
£38,289
Castle Donington, DE74 2TU
Apply Now
TL;DR

Key Takeaways

  • Start your career on an 18-month graduate programme as a DSO Engineer.
  • Earn a starting salary of £38,289 with annual increases, plus a £2,000 joining bonus and £2,400 completion payment.
  • Gain hands-on experience in electricity network operation, data analysis, and forecasting.
  • Based in Castle Donington, Nottingham, with travel across the East Midlands region.
  • Requires a 2:2 in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and a full UK driving licence.

About the Role

As a Graduate DSO Engineer, you will join the Distribution System Operator (DSO) team and help support the operation of a smarter, more flexible electricity network. You will gain hands-on experience working with network data, forecasting, operational planning and network performance, helping the DSO maximise network capacity and support the transition to a lower-carbon energy system. You will develop an understanding of how electricity networks are managed, how operational decisions are made and how innovative approaches such as flexibility services can help meet future energy needs.

What You'll Do

  • Support the DSO Energy Management Centre in operating the electricity network safely, securely and efficiently.
  • Analyse and interpret network, forecasting and operational data to support decision-making.
  • Support electricity demand and generation forecasting activities to understand future network requirements.
  • Use and maintain electrical network models to assess network conditions and performance.
  • Identify network constraints, emerging operational risks and potential mitigation actions.
  • Assess opportunities to use flexibility services, curtailment and other operational interventions to support network operation.
  • Work with the DNO Control Centre and DSO colleagues to support the safe, secure and economic operation of the network.
  • Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of operational processes, procedures and guidance.
  • Support performance analysis, reporting and operational reviews to identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement.
  • Participate in working groups, innovation activities and industry initiatives that help shape the future of network operation.

What You'll Need to Apply

  • A minimum 2:2 in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related degree discipline. It doesn’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification.
  • A full, valid UK driving licence no later than 27th June 2027.
  • Flexibility to travel within the role and throughout your rotations.

What You'll Get In Return

  • A starting salary of £38,289 with annual salary increases.
  • A £2,000 joining bonus.
  • A £2,400 payment upon successful completion of the programme.
  • An accommodation allowance of up to £200 per month.
  • 26 days' annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
  • A competitive pension scheme.
  • Access to flexible benefits, including cycle-to-work and holiday buy/sell schemes.
  • Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.
  • Additional annual leave when moving between placements, plus support with relocating.
  • Dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, networking opportunities, and volunteering opportunities.
  • A permanent role with National Grid upon successful completion of the programme.

About the Graduate Programme

This is an 18-month graduate programme with a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop leadership, business, and technical skills. You will attend in-person and virtual development sessions. You will have access to 1:1 coaching and a mentor. All graduates complete a core development programme. Aligned to this role is an Engineering pathway. You will develop key technical skills and learning modules such as working safely. You may be able to access Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) membership and seek support from a National Grid IET mentor to help you secure your chartership.

You will complete three 6-month placements across the UK. At the end of your 18-month programme, you’ll return to your initial placement area.

Application 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 we have enough applications.
  • Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
  • In most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship.