Graduate Power System Engineer - Electricity Distribution

About us

National Grid is at the heart of the energy future, and our people are at the heart of National Grid. We’re 30,000 colleagues strong.  In the UK, National Grid don’t generate or sell energy – we join the dots to get energy from A to B. From making a cup of tea in the morning, to keeping the lights on in hospitals, our electricity network puts power in the hands of people. Without it, the world as we know it would grind to a halt.

The world of energy is changing beyond recognition as we focus on building a cleaner, greener future. Working at National Grid, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in the UK – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Our values and principles
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.

About the role

Distribution System Operator (DSO) - The DSO is responsible for system/network planning, flexibility system operation and market development; high performance in these areas will facilitate a smarter energy system which can flexibly meet the needs of our end users.

More intermittent and less predictable use of the electricity distribution system is inevitable as customers substitute carbon based fuel sources with cleaner methods driven by electricity. Investment in traditional passive grid infrastructure could result in larger networks, which would be underutilised much of the time. The DSO is developing systems and solutions in order to operate a more active system and maintain efficient, economic and co-ordinated networks.

The department is split into 3 teams focusing on different aspects of DSO delivery:

• Forecasting and Capacity – Undertaking scenario based strategic forecasting out to 2050, assessing the uptake of technologies including EVs, heat pumps and distributed generation.
• Network Modelling and Whole System – Maintaining NGED’s power system models, Whole System planning and engagement, and developing new analysis techniques to enable smarter network operation.
• Flexibility – Technical and commercial operation of Flexibility Services within NGED. Flexibility Services leverage the controllable and intermittent nature of asset connect to our network to avoid and defer network reinforcement.

About you
The procurement of flexibility services is an emerging function with the DSO. Touching on key industry topics with evolving requirements from a multitude of stakeholders, both internal and external, there is real opportunity to support the development of industry leading processes.

Built on a robust knowledge of the principles of network design, an DSO engineer needs the ability to independently scope, deliver and then refine new processes and tools. The candidate must embrace the need for agility and enjoy problem solving in an emerging field.

Given the teams need to specify and build new tooling, and the requirement to interface with ever increasing datasets, computer and data literacy are essential. Experience with programming languages such as Python and SQL are very desirable, however successful applicants who do not have these skills will be provided with training to develop these skills as required.

Supporting their technical ability, the candidate should be able to effectively communicate complex topics in a simple and concise manner, to support decision making, often at executive level. They will be part of a dynamic and diverse team, and should be able to work effectively with a number of different stakeholders.

You’re committed to developing yourself, always ready to ask questions of your colleagues in order to learn, and keen to do your own research and find out as much as you possibly can about your subject.

What you'll need
You’ll have a minimum 2.2 degree in:

• Electrical/Electronic/Combined or Power Engineering
• Energy Management
• Maths / Statistics / Physics
• Digital, ICT or Computer Studies
• Geography or Environmental Studies
• Business or Economics
• Other STEM subject
• Flexibility to travel will be required on occasion throughout the placement.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective stakeholder engagement skills.
• You’ll also ideally have a valid full UK Driving License.

Location
Based in NGED Distribution System Operator team. Base location will be discussed with successful candidates.

Application Deadline
We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process. 

Assessment centres will be held from December 2023 onwards.

What you'll get
We are proud to offer a starting salary of £33,154 (Bachelor’s) or £34,300 (Master’s).

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Graduate Programmes are like no other! You’ll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, understand what a career with us can offer, and receive some great rewards and benefits:

• £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme
• 26 days holiday
• £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
• Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings
• Cost of living allowance (inner London, Metropolitan and Outer Metropolitan areas)
• Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback, and volunteering opportunities

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At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.