Distribution System Operator (DSO) Engineer Graduate Programme - Castle Donington

Job Details

Distribution System Operator (DSO) Engineer Graduate Programme - Castle Donington

About the role

We’re National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED), the owner and operator behind the electricity distribution systems for the Midlands, the Southwest of England and South Wales. Serving communities of more than 8 million people, our expert teams deliver heat, light and power for homes and businesses. 

National Grid employs over 29,000 people worldwide. We are building an inclusive workplace, a place to actively celebrate the cultures, personalities and preferences of our colleagues – who in turn help to build the success of our business and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future and we are doing this in a fast-moving industry with an increasing focus on tackling climate change, exploring new energy sources that are renewable, low carbon, and improve efficiency to meet demand. 

The Distribution System Operator (DSO) looks at ways to maximise capacity in the network whilst forecasting demand to create investment that meet the needs of our customers. 

Ofgem has established the role of the DSO to facilitate decarbonisation at the pace and scale needed to meet our climate targets. Significan focus is on meeting net zero targets, however we need to look at how we deliver more capacity through smarter operations and non-build options. 

Our DSO vision is “to enable and coordinate a smart, flexible energy system that facilitates local decarbonisation for all customers and communities, at the right time and lowest cost”. 

The successful candidate will be working within one of the three core roles/teams: 

• Flexibility Market Development
• Network Operation
• Planning and Network Development

Some of your key accountabilities will include: 

• Analyze network for long-term planning and strategic investment options, supporting the Network Development Plan.
• Identify solutions to system constraints through technical optioneering, including quantifying DSO service requirements that can be met by third-party flexibility.
• Identify solutions to system deficiencies, including quantifying and pricing DSO service requirements that can be met by third-party flexibility.
• Develop new Flexibility Products to address any system deficiencies.
• Manage commercial and contractual interface with the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
• Drive innovative initiatives at the transmission-distribution interface through industry working groups to improve connections.

Our Graduate Programme

As you’ll be joining our 18-month graduate programme, you’ll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You’ll attend in-person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We’re committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you’ll also have access to 121 coaching and a mentor, from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life. 

All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as how to make an impact, giving feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to this role is our Engineering pathway and as part of this you’ll develop further key technical skills aligned to your role as well as important learning modules such as working safely. If relevant to your career aspirations, you will 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.  

We believe in the importance of getting as much on-the-job experience as possible and to do this, you will complete three 6-month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18-month programme you’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your superpowered career.

What you'll need to apply

You'll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 in a Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical, Engineering, Business Administration Mathematics, Sciences or Data Science degree. It doesn’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification. We just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

Due to the amount of travel to our site locations, you'll need to have a full valid UK driving license that allows you to drive in the UK. 

You’ll need flexibility to travel within role and throughout your rotations as required. 

To be eligible to apply for this role, candidates must be able to demonstrate that they will have the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the graduate programme. If you do not currently have the right to work in the UK, or your visa is due to expire during the period of the graduate scheme, please indicate this in your application and we will consider your eligibility for visa sponsorship and whether it would be appropriate to take your application forward.

Location

This role is based in Castle Donington or Bristol offering flexible hybrid working, where possible..

What you'll get in return 

We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £34,895.

Not only will you receive a tailored development programme to progress a superpowered career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too: 

• £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
• Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities. 

Applications & Deadline

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

You can only apply for one graduate opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our graduate opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.

Assessment centres will be held between November 2024 and March 2025 in Warwick.

More Information

At National Grid, it’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger, so we pride ourselves on placing diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are and what we do and are committed to building a workforce of the future which represents the communities we serve.

We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed.

All our offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, the innovation from creating diverse teams and perspectives, as well as business need. 

About National Grid

National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we’ve played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need - and we’re leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.

But it’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it’s no small feat – and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy. 

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.