Graduate
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Graduate System & Cyber, Interconnectors, Lincolnshire

National Grid
£38,289
Spalding, PE11 4XY
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TL;DR

Key Takeaways

  • 18-month graduate programme in Systems and Cyber Security within National Grid's Interconnectors business.
  • Starting salary of £38,289 with annual increases, plus a £2,000 joining bonus and £2,400 completion payment.
  • Develop specialist skills in Operational Technology (OT) and cyber security for critical national infrastructure.
  • Requires a 2:2 in a relevant STEM degree and a full UK driving licence.
  • Based in Lincolnshire with travel across the UK; requires SC-level security clearance and right to work in the UK without sponsorship.

About the Role

About National Grid Ventures Interconnectors

NGV UK Interconnectors are at the heart of the UK's transition to a cleaner, more secure energy future. We own and operate High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnectors, connecting the UK's electricity network with neighbouring countries. These links improve energy security, support renewable energy integration, and benefit consumers. We are also developing new interconnector projects to meet future energy demand and support the UK's Net Zero journey.

About the Role

The Graduate Systems and Cyber role is within the UJV Operations team in National Grid Ventures UK Interconnectors. This team is responsible for the security, resilience, and compliance of critical systems and networks for Interconnectors.

What You'll Do

As a Graduate Systems and Cyber, you will ensure site systems are in good working order and secure, in line with business and regulatory requirements. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Supporting the management of systems, networks, and cyber assets across the Interconnector portfolio, working with Operational Technology (OT), cyber security, and engineering teams.
  • Assisting with maintaining asset records, documentation, and compliance activities, while supporting the implementation of cyber security policies, standards, and best practices.
  • Contributing to reporting, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives, and assisting with maintenance planning, outages, and system upgrades.
  • Collaborating with suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to support operational activities.
  • Participating in training and development opportunities to build skills for a future specialist role.

During the graduate programme, you will develop knowledge and practical experience in:

  • Operational Technology (OT) systems and cyber security within critical national infrastructure.
  • Applying regulatory requirements, including cyber security obligations, in practice.
  • Asset lifecycle management, maintenance planning, and operational resilience.
  • Analysing data, preparing reports, and supporting business decision-making.
  • Working with suppliers, contractors, and multidisciplinary stakeholders.
  • Developing the technical and professional skills for a future specialist role in Systems, Cyber Security, or Operational Technology.

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop specialist cyber and operational technology skills while supporting critical energy infrastructure.

What You'll Need to Apply

  • A minimum 2:2 degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, Network Engineering, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
  • An interest in cyber security, technology, engineering, or operational systems.
  • A desire to understand how critical national infrastructure operates.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • A full, valid UK driving licence by 27th June 2027.

Note: You must pass your driving theory test before the assessment centre stage.

This role requires National Security Vetting (NSV) at Security Check (SC) level. You must hold or be eligible to hold a valid British passport and meet the minimum residency requirement of having lived continuously in the UK for the previous five years.

Location

This is a site-based role at Spalding Bicker, Viking Converter Station, Lincolnshire. You will be expected to live within a reasonable commuting distance. Regular attendance at our Warwick Head Office, National Grid Training Centre in Eakring, and flexibility to travel to Interconnector sites across the UK will be required.

What You'll Get In Return

  • A starting salary of £38,289 with annual increases throughout the programme.
  • 26 days' annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
  • A competitive pension scheme.
  • Access to flexible benefits (cycle-to-work, holiday buy/sell).
  • Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.
  • A £2,000 joining bonus.
  • A £2,400 payment upon successful completion of the programme.
  • An accommodation allowance of up to £200 per month during placements.
  • Additional annual leave when moving between placements, plus relocation support.
  • Dedicated mentoring, regular feedback, networking, 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 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. All graduates complete a core development programme. An Engineering pathway offers further technical skills and learning modules, with potential for IET membership and chartership support.

The programme includes 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 to kickstart your career.

About National Grid

National Grid is the UK’s critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity network 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. Please review all available programmes carefully before applying.

We recruit on a rolling basis and may close vacancies early once enough applications are received. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

National Grid's Early Careers opportunities are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. This will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

In most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. In exceptional circumstances, sponsorship may be considered for specialist skills not available locally.

It is your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we are not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas, please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.