At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair critical electrical equipment to keep the UK's power flowing.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy transmission and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, paid overtime, and 26 days annual leave.
- Other info: Hands-on role with industry-leading training and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Mechanical engineering apprenticeship or NVQ/Level 3 with relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Keep Britain's electricity network moving - and help power the future. National Grid is investing heavily in the UK's electricity transmission network, expanding and modernising substations to meet future energy needs. We're growing our Mechanical Fitter teams and looking for skilled engineers ready to build a long-term career maintaining some of the country's most critical infrastructure.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary package £40,197 pa including allowance.
- Paid overtime + Annual bonus opportunity of up to 4% (2025)
- Pension contributions up to 6% employee - 12% Company - totalling 18%
- Company vehicle for home-to-work travel
- 26 days' annual leave plus 8 statutory days
- A 37-hour average working week, Monday to Friday, with a 4-day working pattern (36 hours in winter and 38 hours in summer)
- Industry-leading technical training and long-term career development
This hands-on, mechanically biased engineering role involves maintaining, repairing and overhauling the equipment that keeps National Grid's Electricity Transmission substations operating safely and efficiently. Working predominantly outdoors, you'll carry out a wide range of maintenance activities including:
- Stripping, inspecting and rebuilding mechanical components
- Diagnosing faults and carrying out repairs
- Replacing worn and ageing components including bearings, seals, fasteners and moving parts
- Installing new or refurbished equipment
- Supporting planned maintenance and emergency breakdown response
- Performing routine inspections and condition monitoring
You'll work on specialist equipment including:
- Power transformers
- High-speed on-load tap changers
- Air compressor systems
- Cable systems
- Ancillary equipment across high-voltage substations.
Every day brings new challenges, from rebuilding equipment and aligning components to solving mechanical faults. We'll provide industry-leading training at our Eakring Training Centre in Nottinghamshire, alongside practical site learning, to help you build specialist high-voltage mechanical engineering expertise. Training may include occasional stays away from home, supported by overnight and mobility allowances. Some weekend working is required, with paid overtime available.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
We're keen to hear from candidates with:
- A recognised apprenticeship in Mechanical engineering, or an NVQ/Level 3 Mechanical engineering qualification with relevant fitting experience
- Strong mechanical maintenance, overhaul or installation experience
- Experience stripping, rebuilding and repairing industrial electrical equipment
- Confidence using hand tools, power tools, precision measuring equipment and torque tools
- A proactive approach to fault finding and problem solving
- A strong commitment to safe working practices
- A full UK driving licence
- Confidence using a computer and iPad
- You live within approximately 30 minutes travel to base location
It would be great if you also have:
- Experience working on high-voltage equipment
- Previous experience within power generation, utilities, manufacturing, heavy engineering or process industries
- NEBOSH or IOSH qualifications
Please note that visa sponsorship and relocation packages are not available for this role.
If you want a role where your skills are valued, your development is supported and your work makes a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you. National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power. From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.
Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.
Incentive
Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.
Retirement
Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%. Private medical insurance for self and family.
Substation Craftsperson employer: National Grid plc
At National Grid, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As a Manager – Group Technical Accounting in our London office, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, competitive salaries, and a robust pension scheme, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's leading energy companies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Substation Craftsperson
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Substation Craftsperson role you’re after at National Grid plc.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at National Grid plc a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at National Grid plc.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Substation Craftsperson at National Grid plc, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Substation Craftsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Substation Craftsperson, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at National Grid plc a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to National Grid plc specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid plc
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with National Grid plc, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like National Grid plc want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
