Development Engineer Industrial Placement, Customer Network Development

Application Overview

Apply for the 2026 Development Engineer Industrial Placement, Customer Network Development, at 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.

This role sits within the Customer Network Development (CND) function at National Grid, which is dedicated to connecting new and existing generation and demand customers to the energy network. CND is responsible for building offers that include contractual and technical requirements, developing customer connections through appropriate technical designs, and managing efficient delivery. The team prioritises strong relationships with customers and industry partners, ensuring compliance with relevant codes and frameworks.

CND is also leading efforts to redesign the connections process—reducing lead times and enhancing customer satisfaction—while delivering excellent customer service and supporting the energy transition.

• Act as the main point of contact for customers throughout the connection process.
• Manage the full lifecycle of customer connection projects—from initial enquiry to delivery.
• Conduct technical assessments to evaluate the feasibility and impact of new connections on the existing network.
• Develop and propose appropriate technical solutions that meet customer needs and comply with industry standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure smooth and timely project delivery.
• Monitor project progress, ensuring delivery is on time, within budget, and to the required quality and safety standards.
• Identify and resolve issues that arise during the connection process, ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Support the continuous improvement of the connections process to reduce lead times and enhance service quality.
• Contribute to National Grid’s mission of enabling the energy transition and building a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Our 12‑month Industrial Placement offers you the opportunity to kickstart your career within the energy sector and discover your unique superpower. Throughout your placement, you’ll receive a tailored development programme designed to support your growth and development, with a combination of in‑person and virtual training sessions led by our development team and access to a range of digital learning tools. You’ll have the chance to make meaningful contributions through real assignments and projects, develop your understanding of our business and the energy sector, and build a strong network within the company.

• Be in your penultimate year and expect to achieve a minimum 2:2 degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Hold a full valid UK driving licence at the time of application.
• Be flexible to travel within the role, including travel to sites, substations, depots and training centres.

This role is based in Bristol, with travel required to various sites across the South West & Wales Portfolio. You’ll be expected to work across multiple locations within this region as part of your responsibilities.

• Starting salary of £24,109
• 26 days holiday
• A chance to land a place on our Graduate Programme subject to your performance during the placement.
• Pensions plan, share‑option scheme and flexible benefits.
• 3 days of development training, volunteering opportunities, close mentorship and regular feedback.
• Invitation to join Newnet, our new starters network and employee resource group.

Assessment centres will be held between November and April 2026. National Grid welcomes applicants of diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offers flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points‑based immigration system.